Waste Management Perceptions

We explore public perceptions of effective waste management strategies in the United States. Across several measures, a significant majority of participants erroneously consider recycling to be the most effective option. However, this misplaced preference for recycling is not static. The number of participants who preferred source reduction increased when fewer choice options were presented and when actions were framed socially instead of individually. For some measures, participants understand that preventing waste is better generally—but misperceive recycling as the best action that they can undertake as individuals. For consumers and producers alike, policies and other interventions should promote source reduction and reuse, which may also help correct the misplaced preference for recycling.