This refers to the systematic and responsible handling, treatment, and disposal of waste in a way that minimizes environmental and public health impacts, encompassing all stages of the waste lifecycle, from generation to final disposal, and involves the participation and cooperation of individuals, businesses, and governments.
Published in Chapter:
Raising Public Awareness of Waste Management
Copyright: © 2023
|Pages: 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-6684-8238-4.ch006
Abstract
The economic and technological development achieved during the last decades has caused the creation of enormous amounts of waste, with severe consequences for the environment. Great efforts are being made in sustainable waste management, but the problem still exists. Why is this still happening? What are the barriers to, e.g., recycling? They may be physical barriers, behavioral barriers, lack of motivation or knowledge on recycling options, environmental barriers, and social or cultural norms. The two main challenges are: lack of practical knowledge and disconnection with local waste management organizations; and wrong attitudes and perceptions toward recycling (e.g., insufficient motivation to sort waste and recycle). They may be overcome by raising awareness. This chapter is intended to collect and disseminate relevant knowledge on raising public awareness of waste management.