Accounting For Spatial and Temporal Variabilities in Household Recycling Schemes: A Simulation Approach
Peter Tucker
DOI: 10.2190/NDQR-6H9B-TYB5-H0G7
Abstract
Household waste recycling performances can vary markedly between communities, spatially within communities, and with time. These variations, which arise as a consequence of the wide variability of behaviors of the residents, are simulated through a stochastic model of recycling. the model assumes random variabilities in individual attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions, then applies decision-based rules in order to predict resulting behaviors. This approach is shown to be capable of accounting for a large part of the observed short-scale performance fluctuations. the residual variations have been explained through socio-demographic differences between population segments. the modeling methodology is explained in detail and the rule-based presented in full. A curbside newspaper recycling scheme is simulated, with results that reasonably fit observed behaviors. Applications to recycling scheme management and potential future developments are discussed.
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