Brussels - A better understanding of the social factors that affect market-based environmental policies could enhance their success, according to researchers. An analysis of reactions to a proposed waste disposal system in Greece indicated that both trust between citizens and trust in institutions could be highly influential in its implementation.

Public compliance is essential if environmental policies are to be successful. This study investigated citizens' perceptions of a proposed waste disposal and recycling system in Mytilene, the capital of Lesvos island in Greece. It was chosen as a case study because its current environmental record is considered inadequate. In particular, waste regulation and recycling projects are having a limited impact on the amount of waste. The planned system would use the 'polluter pays' principle and require citizens to pay for disposing bagged waste in communal bins.

The researchers interviewed 140 people and over half (67.4 per cent) believed that the proposed waste management system would be 'hardly effective' or 'not at all effective'. Only 14.3 per cent believed it would be 'very effective'. However, this was double the amount who considered current waste policies to be 'very effective', indicating a greater hope in the proposed new waste management than the system currently in place. More than 90 per cent believed that fellow citizens would not comply, suggesting a strong belief that free-riding would occur.

The amount that citizens would be willing to pay for the new waste management system is important for its successful implementation. 28.5 per cent stated that they would refuse to pay any amount. This is not unexpected as refusals are common in public evaluation of environmental policies and actions. If these zero responses were considered, the average amount that people were prepared to pay would be € 0.42 per disposed bag.

Further in-depth interviews with 14 individuals indicated that environmental concern was generally low and there was distrust towards other people, as suggested by the belief that most citizens would 'dump' their rubbish bags rather than paying to put them in the allocated bins. There also appeared to be a great distrust of central and local state policies and implementing rules; some saw the proposed system as a mean for institutions to take less responsibility for waste management. It appeared that many regarded it to be a good system in theory, but just not realistic in the context of the Greek political culture.

The researchers suggested some possible actions to help implement such a system. Greater social trust and social networks could be fostered through citizen participation, for example, in activities that seek to keep the city clean or in neighbourhood meetings. Citizen participation during decision-making and greater dissemination of information could enhance trust in institutions. Creating a new governance platform that will combine citizens and government representatives could be a way to enhance trust and secure participation.

Original source: Jones, N., Evangelinos, K., Halvadakis, C.P. et al. (2010). Social factors influencing perceptions and willingness to pay for a market-based policy aiming on solid waste management. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 54:533-540.

Quelle: EU commission

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