Sorting Out Recycling: Visualization of Waste-Disposal Guidelines and Analysis of Waste Management Approaches as Devices for Impacting Policy in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Topics: Sustainability Science
, Urban Geography
, Human-Environment Geography
Keywords: sustainability, policy, recycling, waste management, government, municipal
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 75
Authors:
Grant Rodriguez Amlani, Southern Methodist University
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Abstract
“Can I recycle this?” As we look to the future, a huge challenge for sustainability is limiting present resource consumption without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs. A concern for the North Central Texas region is the average remaining capacity of its 22 active landfills: 35 years as of 2019. Recycling is strongly promoted in Dallas-Fort Worth as a strategy to divert waste. Recycling procedures are typically established at the city level, resulting in variability in what is deemed “recyclable” between cities.
This study focuses on two primary questions. First, how varied are recycling and disposal guidelines in the region? Secondly, what actions should be prioritized going forward, both in choice of guidelines and in communication to the public, to improve proper waste disposal and decrease contamination rates? The study area consists of the 15 most populated cities in DFW, encompassing 4.7 million people (60% of the region’s population). All cities studied provide some form of residential curbside recycling collection.
This study utilizes a mixed methods approach. First, data was compiled from each city’s website, mimicking how a typical resident may seek recycling guidance. Then, efforts to interview recycling and waste management leaders from local governments about challenges with existing approaches and policies, and what necessary waste reduction solutions are.
This study will serve DFW in better aligning policies toward decreasing contamination and diverting waste, providing both environmental and economic benefits. It will also support the development of improved coherent outreach efforts across the region.
Sorting Out Recycling: Visualization of Waste-Disposal Guidelines and Analysis of Waste Management Approaches as Devices for Impacting Policy in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract
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