Community recycling awareness and participation at Massey University's Turitea campus : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract

In 1999 Massey University's Turitea campus established a zero waste programme in response to concerns about the practical environmental management of the campus. A key part of this programme was the implementation of a recycling system to ensure valuable resources are not wasted. In order to monitor the effectiveness of this system and identify potential areas of improvement, a recycling and waste audit was conducted across the campus. Of the four trials undertaken three focused on the wider campus community, while the fourth focused on the student hostels. Trial I was conducted as a pilot study during summer school of 2009/10, Trial II during semester two of 2010, Trial III during summer school of 2010/11 and Trial IV during semester one of 2011. The audit quantified recycling and waste disposal choices made by the campus community. It was found that key issues that impact upon recycling practices include poor signage and inadequate recycling drop-off facilities. Recommendations from the study included an upgrade of recyling infrastructure, a review of the recycling programme, a branding 'make-over' and an information-awareness campaign to raise the campus community's understanding of the role thay can play in a zero waste programme. It is also recommeded that Massey's Wellington and Auckland campuses be included in an institution-wide strategy for zero waste management. The findings of this research were submitted to Massey University's Sustainablity Steering Group in order that the ideas and information relating to recycling and waste management could be considered along with other institutional sustaianblity issues.