Toshihiko Matsuto*, Nobutoshi Tanaka*
Masaru Tanaka** and Tomoo Sekito**
* Hokkaido University, Lab of Solid Waste Disposal Engineering
** Hokkaido University, Research group of Urban Metabolic System Engineering

+ Correspondence should be addressed to Toshihiko Matsuto:
(Kita 13 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8628 Japan)

Abstract
A 'Resource recycling society' (RRS) is the common goal to reduce environmental impact from human activities and to conserve natural resources. Its original definition is, however, stated just qualitatively, and it has wide implications. Quantitative indicators are necessary to explicitly show objectives, and to evaluate the achievement level gained by political or technological strategies.
In this paper, focusing on solid waste management in a municipality, six indicators are designed to give RRS ratings, which include evaluation of public attitude concerning waste reduction or recycling as well as grading solid waste management by local governments. Each indicator is made up of there or four questions that are supposed to be answered by citizens. Questionnaire surveys were carried out in thirteen metropolitan cities in Japan. The resulting graph-charts of indicators well describe the different attitude among these cities. Influential strategies towards RRS have been found in correlation analysis, frequent recyclable-collection and regular distribution of pamphlet about waste.

Key words: Resource Recycling Society, indicator, citizen, questionnaire survey, attitude