Improving Cafeteria Patrons' Waste Disposal

Abstract

This study took place in a University student cafeteria where financial restrictions meant customers were expected to clear their own tables. Initial low rates of appropriate waste disposal (mean = 13%) meant the system was ineffective. An ABACAC design was used where A was baseline, B the provision of more disposal areas, and C the provision of more disposal areas paired with 14 attractive waste disposal poster prompts. These interventions achieved higher levels of litter disposal with a mean of 29% for condition B and a mean of 46% for condition C, including follow-up. The pairing of the two methods was found more effective than increasing receptacles alone. It also proved cost efficient, yielding an estimated savings of $230 in the first year and $775 in subsequent years.