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Rethinking and optimising post-consumer packaging waste: a sentiment analysis of consumers’ perceptions towards the introduction of a deposit refund scheme in Scotland.

Oke, Adekunle; Osobajo, Oluyomi; Obi, Lovelin; Omotayo, Temitope

Authors

Adekunle Oke

Lovelin Obi

Temitope Omotayo



Abstract

Packaging waste production, especially single-use containers, is exerting detrimental effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including human health. To internalise the externalities associated with single-use containers, different instruments, including a deposit refund scheme (DRS), have been operationalised in many countries. Therefore, DRS is introduced in Scotland to reduce plastic litters by increasing recycling rates and incentivising pro-environmental behavioural change. This study addresses the complexity of single-use plastic containers by analysing consumers’ perceptions regarding the introduction of DRS in Scotland. Using 940 comments from the BBC “Have Your Say” messageboard, this study adopts sentiment analysis to understand consumers’ opinions about the introduction and implementation of DRS in Scotland. Findings suggest that a UK-wide scheme that is similar in terms of operations and structure is required for DRS to be successful. While consumers’ knowledge and opinions about DRS are mixed, the efficacy of DRS including its relevance is questioned and raises doubts about its contribution to sustainability. The findings imply the need for UK countries to negotiate and collaborate on appropriate and attractive interventions in addressing post-consumer single-use plastic containers. The implications of the findings for policy and practice, especially in improving the operations of DRS are further discussed.

Citation

OKE, A., OSOBAJO, O., OBI, L. and OMOTAYO, T. 2020. Rethinking and optimising post-consumer packaging waste: a sentiment analysis of consumers' perceptions towards the introduction of a deposit refund scheme in Scotland. Waste management [online], 118, pages 463-470. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.09.008

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 7, 2020
Online Publication Date Sep 23, 2020
Publication Date Dec 31, 2020
Deposit Date Oct 8, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Waste management
Print ISSN 0956-053X
Electronic ISSN 1879-2456
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 118
Pages 463-470
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.09.008
Keywords Deposit refund scheme; Sustainability; Sentiment analysis; Plastic waste
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/969759

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