Real-time feedback and education: management key to reducing contamination in home recycling waste

Abstract

Waste recycling has evolved into an essential component of sustainable living, with the goal of reducing the strain on landfills and preserving our planet's resources. However, fractional contamination is a constant issue that impedes the efficacy of recycling activities. When different types of waste materials are poorly combined, it becomes difficult to separate and recycle them efficiently. In the present study, we aimed the degree of awareness and improvement of the selective sorting of some factions of household waste, through minimal, indirect video monitoring and feedback, in three areas, two urban and one rural, from the city and county of Iasi. These areas are different at least from the point of view of the degree of general education. Our obtained data undoubtedly demonstrate that a minimum and non-specific monitorization, together with almost instant feedback, induced a dramatic change in the behavior of residents, even those less educated in terms of waste recycling. The fractions contamination was drastically reduced in all areas, but extremely evident in rural areas. Thus, the results emphasize the necessity of waste management education (awareness) and the need for proactive efforts to combat fractions contamination.