Strategies for improving recycling behaviour within the Cornwall National Health Service (NHS) in the UK

Waste Manag Res. 2007 Dec;25(6):510-6. doi: 10.1177/0734242X07082030.

Abstract

This paper examines strategies for improving recycling behaviour within the Cornwall National Health Service (NHS). Using quantitative (questionnaires and waste bin analyses) and qualitative (ethnography and interviews) methodologies, the study examined the waste management practices of staff from the Cornwall NHS. It was found that employee participation in waste recycling at work was low due to a range of factors including NHS focus and policies, group norms, and individual attitudes and beliefs about sustainable waste management. Recommendations for improving the sustainability of NHS, employee waste management practices, with a specific focus on recycling are included in the paper. These recommendations include measures focused towards both the NHS organization and individual staff members.

MeSH terms

  • Anthropology, Cultural
  • Conservation of Natural Resources* / methods
  • Conservation of Natural Resources* / statistics & numerical data
  • Efficiency, Organizational*
  • Health Facilities*
  • Humans
  • National Health Programs* / statistics & numerical data
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom
  • Waste Management* / statistics & numerical data