Effectiveness of social systems sustained by residents´ participation: a collection system of classified garbage and rubbish

Models the decision mechanism by residents on their contribution to garbage and rubbish classification, and clarifies how they decide to (or not to) cooperate with the system. Moreover, based on the model and survey results, effective management policies for the system for better classification are examined. More precisely, the decision by residents to cooperate with garbage classification is modeled as a game between each resident and his/her society, consisting of the residents in the region. A mailing survey for residents in the eastern Tottori area and an interview visit to the garbage disposal facility of the Tottori Eastern Local Government Association are provided in order to collect actual data on the garbage classification level of the residents. From this study, it is clarified that the three policies of (1) public announcements, (2) education, and (3) incentive systems (punishment and subsidy) have different effects on the cooperation of households. An appropriate policy mix is necessary in order to effectively achieve the cooperation of the majority. In particular, policies (1) and (3) have different effects on cooperation, depending on how they are mixed. The model developed in this study can be used to examine policies for a more effective garbage classification system