A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF RECYCLING WITHIN THE OFFICE SPACE: INVESTIGATING PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS OFFICE RECYCLING

Abstract

Waste management is an increasingly important topic given the rapid rates at which waste is being generated. Given Singapore’s small size, it is imperative that Singapore finds ways to divert waste away from landfills as landfill space is quickly depleting. Recycling has become an efficient and effective waste management strategy that allows for waste diversion through resource recovery. Hence, recycling continues to be heavily promoted as part of Singapore’s solid waste management. However, recycling rates remain relatively low. Recycling as an environmental behaviour involves various factors that act as motivations and barriers for people who do and do not recycle. As a result, promoting recycling behaviour through the provision of recycling facilities alone will not be effective. Recognising this, efforts to understand household recycling rate in Singapore more holistically have been undertaken. With much attention already on household recycling, this study focuses on office recycling behaviour. This study applies Q-methodology to examine the perceptions that individuals may have towards office recycling in Singapore. This study also sought to investigate the degree to which household recycling behaviour and office recycling behaviour differs and the importance of organisational factors in influencing office recycling behaviour, particularly in terms of organisational culture. Q-sorts were collected from individuals from both environmental and non-environmental work sectors. The analysis revealed three main perceptions towards office recycling namely, (1) recycling as intrinsic; (2) recycling as a hassle but essential and (3) recycling for one’s self. The perceptions revealed indicated that factors affecting household recycling behaviour were also applicable as factors affecting office recycling behaviour. Based on the perceptions, organisational factor, in terms of office infrastructure waste more strongly perceived as important as compared to the initially hypothesised organisational culture. Further research recommended include applying Q-methodology to other locational settings to extend recycling behaviour studies to these settings.