Browsing by Author "Terhivuo, Tiia"

Objectives. Waste causes atmospheric emissions at various stages and the capacity of incinera-tors is not sufficient for the quantity of current mixed waste. Emissions and the amount of waste burned can be reduced by sorting and recycling the waste. Sorted waste can be reused or recycled into a new product, material or substance, which is the best for the environment. De-centralised waste management leaves the responsibility of waste sorting to households and companies whose sorting should be increased. Earlier research on recycling behaviour is largely quantitative and international so the study examines the recycling behaviour of Finnish house-holds with a qualitative research approach. The research task is to analyse factors influencing recycling behaviour, i.e. to identify the factors supporting or hindering waste sorting and recy-cling in households. In addition, a small-scale intervention is carried out in some households, aiming to develop recycling practices in households or housing companies and to raise aware-ness of waste sorting and recycling. The aim of the study was to identify the means to promote the sorting and recycling of household waste. Methods. Nine heterogeneous households from the Central Uusimaa (Keski-Uusimaa) region participated in the study. Households lived in row or detached houses located in the layout ar-ea, i.e. near the services, or in a remote location. The data consisted transcribed interviews and field notes and it was analyzed with a data-driven content analysis. Results and conclusions. Recycling behaviour seems to be influenced by home storage facili-ties, especially in a kitchen area, functionality of recycling practices, existence and location of external waste collection containers, individual's close proximity, actions of companies and state, personal advice, time and money, ecological values, knowhow of recycling and aware-ness of the importance of recycling. Recycling behaviour could be promoted by informing the benefits of recycling, by taking into account the facilities needed for the sorting in reconstruc-tion and in kitchen renovations, by adding more external collection points for example in con-nection with schools, settlements and most widely used grocery stores, by promoting the possi-bility of shared collections for detached houses, by raising mixed fees and by providing per-sonal advice to households. Furthermore, schools and workplaces can inspire to sort at home i.e. by acting as an example in recycling, by offering information and training events related to recycling and by giving students participatory homework in relation to waste sorting.