Littering Problems on a Municipal Space: Key Findings to Help Litter Reduction

Charles Warner, Kimberley Hill

Research output: Contribution to ConferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

To help reduce littering behaviour, a case study was made of Northampton Racecourse Park (NRP), in the East Midlands of England, to assess current practice in litter management and identify possible determinants that stimulate pro environmental behaviour. Visible surface litter (VSL) was counted on a set route, daily, for a period of 28 weeks, to record variation. The highest single count was 802 and the lowest 117, exposing a significant variation. With a mean daily count of 335 VSL items, NRP was never absent of VSL. The data was compared to a number of factors active on NRP during the data collection period to gauge the impact they have on VSL quantity. The data suggests, enforcement of anti litter law, waste bin infrastructure and application of focused anti litter strategy, in line with the Litter Strategy for England 2017, is less than is required to effectively manage litter on NRP. Park maintenance and volunteer litter picks promote a greater sense of community on NRP, resulting in litter reduction. Taking a social norms approach, such activities promote a shared social responsibility which enhances the sense of ownership in maintaining public park spaces, when supported by contextual determinants which prevent littering behaviour.
Original languageEnglish
Pages1-15
Number of pages15
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 28 Jan 2021
EventThe Thirty-Sixth International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management - Annapolis (Washington, D.C.) U.S.A.
Duration: 14 Mar 202116 Mar 2021

Conference

ConferenceThe Thirty-Sixth International Conference on Solid Waste Technology and Management
Period14/03/2116/03/21

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