Kohji Hayase* and Keiichiro Suzuki*

* Graduate School of Biosphere Sciences, Hiroshima University

+ Correspondence should be addressed to Kohji Hayase:
(1-7-1, Kagamiyama Higashi-Hiroshima 739-0046 Japan)

Abstract

To obtain basic data for the prevention of littering, a public space in the Hiroshima University campus, "Spain Square Steps" was set up as an experimental field and its adaptability was discussed. Dividing a week -including rainy days- into 20parts, the composition of the litter was analyzed. Using an interval camera, the sources of the litter -passersby and people at rest- were also recorded. Since only passersby were observed littering on a rainy day, it was suggested that the unit of scattered wastes per man-hour be calculated by using the number of people at rest for bottles & cans, and by the total number of people for cigarette butts. The units for bottles & cans and cigarette butts were 0-0.16 (0.10 for a weekly average) and 0.54-1.0 (0.66) (number/man-hour), respectively. The setting up of the experimental field was considered to be adaptable. This experimental field can be put to practical use for the study of prevention of littering. Using the amount of litter under usual circumstances as reference, changes in littering may be sought after establishing legal regulations, setting out garbage receptacles, and/or carrying out education activities.

Key words: scattered wastes, public space, setting up experimental field behavior of people, the unit of scattering wastes per man-hour