Trust-based recycling boosts glass collection in Israeli city
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In Tamra, Israel, a city with limited prior glass recycling, researchers piloted a program that increased glass collection after eight years of near-zero results.
Municipal officials reported that recycling bins previously contained virtually no glass. After a two-month trust-based intervention across eight elementary schools, residents recycled 1600 kg of glass citywide, the first successful source separation in recent history. The program combined weekly personalized communication, self-reporting, and symbolic rewards.
Schools participating in the intervention collected six times more glass than those that did not, 1360 kg compared to 220 kg. Surveys showed that people viewed the program as successful, with support from both schools and families. Notably, this behavioral change continued even during a period of security concerns.
Researchers limited the study to one community and one type of waste over two months, but they believe the model can be adapted for use in other diverse communities seeking to improve waste management.
