{"id":12530,"date":"2026-08-28T13:13:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T11:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sartori-ambiente.com\/?p=12530"},"modified":"2026-08-28T13:13:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T11:13:40","slug":"what-really-determines-proper-waste-disposal-in-public-spaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sartori-ambiente.com\/en\/what-really-determines-proper-waste-disposal-in-public-spaces\/","title":{"rendered":"What really determines proper waste disposal in public spaces?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A study entitled \u201cBehind Recycling Policies: An Exploratory Study on Psychological and Contextual Determinants of Waste Sorting Behaviour at University\u201d<\/strong>, to which Federica Stablum<\/a> contributed, was recently published in the Italian Economic Journal<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The research analyses the psychological and contextual factors that influence separate waste collection in university environments, an area that has received less attention than household settings but is particularly significant for understanding behaviours adopted in public spaces and workplaces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Through a questionnaire administered to 482 students and staff members at the University of Florence<\/strong>, the study investigated factors such as individuals\u2019 perceived ability to contribute, personal and social norms, trust in the recycling process, and the barriers encountered when disposing of waste.<\/span><\/p>\n

The results show that individual motivation alone is not sufficient.<\/span><\/p>\n

Separate waste collection is encouraged by the belief that one\u2019s actions can have a tangible impact and by a sense of personal responsibility. At the same time, it is hindered by very practical factors: poorly visible containers, collection points that are difficult to reach, unclear instructions, and the absence of certain waste fractions, particularly organic waste and glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

The measures considered most useful therefore include:<\/span><\/p>\n