Plastic Packaging Waste Segregation Behavior of Residents and its Environmental Effect on Municipal Solid Waste Management

Abstract

This study surveyed the plastic packaging waste segregation behavior of residents of Kobe, Japan, especially aged residents. It discusses the possible environmental effects on the municipal solid waste management system that could occur due to the projected increase in the number of senior citizens in the population and the consequent changes in garbage segregation behavior. Two questionnaire surveys of 1,653 people aged 20 to 99 years old residing in Kobe, Japan, were conducted. The results revealed that younger age groups have a low level of plastic waste segregation behavior despite a high level of recognition that plastic packaging waste is recyclable. We also found that the level of segregation increases among older age groups but that the level decreases among residents of 85 years and older because of diminished physical mobility. Based on the result, we discuss education about the existing rules pertaining to garbage segregation by using a quantification of the CO2 emissions avoided and not avoided by waste segregation.