| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study is to identify the perceived barriers affecting
participation in the waste diversion program, Dump and Run, and to provide
recommendations on how to increase resident input. The study characterizes the
perceived barriers and focuses on significant behaviours influencing the participation and
knowledge of the Dump and Run program.
The study explores waste diversion programs at other institutions, as well as
principles from community based social marketing. The results from this study provide
recommendations to the Dump and Run program, as well as Dalhousie residences, to
further increase resident participation in the waste diversion program.
Surveys were conducted in Dalhousie University’s Howe Hall residence, outside
of the meal hall, with 91 participants. The surveys focused on determining the physical
and behavioural barriers limiting residence participation. The survey findings indicated
that the majority of residents have previous recycling experience but were unaware of the
Dump and Run program. In addition to awareness, the major barriers revealed are lack of
interest and an inability to physically bring their items to the Saint Mary’s collection site.
Based on our findings, our recommendations to the Dump and Run program
include increasing awareness of their program by having a more active presence on
campus and by increasing advertisement. Increased participation could also be facilitated
by providing students with specific pick-up times in residence and by establishing a
Dalhousie campus collection site. Recommendations to Dalhousie University residences
involve raising awareness of students through Resident Assistants and resident
interactions and by providing residents with a location in the Hall where they could
dispose of items prior to the Dump and Run or their move-out date.
Recommendations for future action and research are to assess participation in
Dump and Run 2013, complete interviews with Resident Assistants to identify further
barriers and to expand survey conduction to all Dalhousie residence halls. | en_US |
