Monday 22 October 2007

Romania: Selective waste management? Pay me!


Most Romanians deem it is worthless to put effort in selectively collecting waste products just to have a clean environment and request to be recompensed for doing so, an IMAS study shows.

The study revealed selective waste management is a low-profile issue on the Romanian public agenda. As for the individuals' willingness to separate waste collected from households, few of the interviewees answered in favor.

The fact very few are willing to make an effort for a clean environment proves Romanians do not associate their personal welfare with the environment they live in, Environment Minister Attila Korodi said. Problems regarding environment are deemed to concern only the public authorities. However, Romanians admit they would be motivated to select waste by a system of rewards.

The study shows women are more prone to comply with the selective waste management, while men are motivated more by the negative effects of waste products upon the environment. Youngsters are more responsive to financial stimuli while old people perceive selective waste management more as a duty.

The study was conducted on 1,449 people from 115 towns and villages. Based on the study, the environment ministry launched a campaign to inform the public on selective waste management; it will last until November 15.