PROPERTY RIGHTS AND SOCIAL COSTS: A SUTDY OF LITTERING

Abstract

Singapore is perceived to be a "clean and green country". Despite its reputation, littering is still one of the main issues in our country. Why do people litter? Economic theory tells us that the negative externality arises because of social costs and lack of defined property rights. These two factors can lead to a market failure. Economic theory alone is not enough to give a good reason for littering. Non-economic incentives also play a part to motivate people to litter. This study is initiated to discuss the incentives that have not yet been extensively investigated in the academic literature. The study aims to determine the economic and non-economic factors that drive littering behaviour, to evaluate the present relevance deterrents such as educational campaigns, Corrective Work Orders and fines and to identify and recommend possible measures to improve on the current efforts to prevent littering. To carry out the study, the qualitative approach is adopted to gain deeper insights into the reciprocal nature of the externality, using in-depth interviews, questionnaires and participant observation as the research tool for studying littering behaviour. The findings from the qualitative methods are cross-tabulated and are used to evaluate the effectiveness of present anti-littering efforts. The implications are drawn up after the analysis to see what new measures can be implemented because the proposed measures go to the root of the incentives and motives.