Research on the Presence and Types of Educational Signs and Waste Receptacles in a Public Parks to Reduse Garbage
Yunjong Jang*, Shinichiro Kawai*, Seiji Aoki*, Shinsaku Nakao** and Koji Hayase*Abstract
This experiment was conducted for 12 weeks with the objective of determining the most effective garbage control method in Saijo Central Park in Higashi Hiroshima. This experiment was conducted on-site by using evenly distributed waste receptacles, the placement pattern which is believed to be the most effective way to prevent littering. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of the following interventions: placing separated type waste receptacles, placing separated type waste receptacles with explanatory signs, withdrawal of waste receptacles, withdrawal of waste receptacles with public service announcements. Park patrons were surveyed to find the relationship between the rate of separation and separation consciousness.
When separated type waste receptacles with explanatory signs were used, the ratio of littering is greatly decreased, and the ratio of separation improved compared to placing only separated type waste receptacles. When no waste receptacles were used, the amount of litter increased a little. However, when public service announcements were posted, the amount of litter decreased substantially. In the public space managed, it was also observed that when the waste receptacles were removed in conjunction with placing public service announcements, it was an effective way of controlling garbage. The results of survey also show that park patrons' actual garbage separation is not as high as they estimate themselves in any case.
Key words: public park, explanatory signs, types of waste receptacles, withdrawal of waste receptacles, litter