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June 2021

Ministry of Environment

Solid Waste Management

Public Awareness

(2)

Background & Methodology

The Ministry of Environment hired Insightrix to conduct a public awareness survey to set a baseline regarding public awareness of the province’s Solid Waste Management Strategy, public understanding of waste management best practices, and the risks of improper practices across

Saskatchewan.

Methodology Online survey

Questionnaire Designed by Insightrix with Ministry input Sample Source SaskWatch Research® panel

Quotas Gender and region to match population Completed Surveys 802

Field Dates May 5 to 12, 2021 Response Rate 29%

(3)

Key Takeaways

Waste Management L andfill Usage, Composting

and Recycling Communication Preferences

Residents have mixed understanding of the phrase "solid waste management“. While residents most commonly associate the phrase with garbage disposal, few connect recycling and composting with solid waste management.

Despite moderate understanding of the concept, residents generally consider Saskatchewan's solid waste management effective and say they are aware of the risks to the environment when waste is not disposed of properly.

Few residents know about Saskatchewan's Solid Waste Management Strategy Awareness mainly arises through media coverage.

Many households make at least some effort to avoid waste going to landfill. Recycling and composting at home or using municipal composting programs are fairly common practices.

Most families claim they recycle as much as possible. The dominant reasons for not recycling are lack of space at home, time, limited

municipal recycling programs or convenience.

Almost all Saskatchewan residents participate in the beverage containers recycling program. The blue box, electronics and batteries programs are also popular. In general, residents are pleased with Saskatchewan's recycling programs and suggest expanding programs to accept plastic packaging and glass.

The most common source residents turn to for information on solid waste management is social media and the Government of Saskatchewan website.

Both provincial and municipal governments are viewed as reliable sources for information on solid waste management.

Bill inserts, flyers and online/television ads are common suggestions to communicate

Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy to residents.

(4)

What is the awareness and use of provincial recycling programs?

Awareness and use of provincial recycling programs are high, especially SARCAN, electronics, paint, batteries and blue boxes. Increasing awareness of methods of disposing hazardous waste is advised.

Who is composting and what do residents need to be able to compost?

Older residents and those who live in Saskatoon are more likely to compost waste. Many residents say they would compost if given incentives to do so.

What are current practices of waste disposal, recycling and composting?

Households reportedly recycle when possible and try to send less waste to the landfill, although a great proportion of yard and food waste still landfilled. Further, awareness of composting options is weak. Campaigns designed to build awareness and emphasize importance of composting options is advised.

How are residents understanding best management practices and the risks of improper practices?

Many residents associate solid waste management with the environmentally responsible disposal of solid waste but do not give details. Only a few think about composting and recycling as part of the definition of solid waste management. A campaign to clarify what solid waste management encompasses and best management practices will help increase comprehension.

What are the barriers to better waste management practices and how these barriers can be removed?

Among the few that recycle infrequently, space, convenience, time and lack of local programs are common barriers noted. In addition to increasing program options, building awareness and knowledge of solid waste management practices will help increase adoption.

Conclusions

(5)

Indigenous Ancestry

6%

Yes

Respondent Profile

1. Into which of the following age ranges do you fall? 2. Which gender do you identify with most? 26. How many children under the age of 18 live in your household? 27. Are you an Indigenous person that is

Gender

Male 49% Female 51%

Age Range

30% 35% 35%

18 to 34 35 to 54 55+

Children in Household

68%

31%

None One or more

Education Level

17%

18%

63%

High school or less

Some technical school or college/some university Completed university degree/

technical or college diploma

15%

30%

18%

8% 5%

23%

Less than

$50,000 $50,000 to just under

$100,000

$100,000 to just under

$150,000

$150,000 to just under

$200,000

$200,000 or

more Prefer not to say

Household Income

(6)

Waste Management

(7)

49% 9% 57% Somewhat familiar Very familiar 30%

13%

Not very familiar 43%

Not at all familiar

Solid Waste Management

4. How familiar are you with the term “solid waste management”? Base: all respondents, n=802.

Familiarity with the term “solid waste management” is moderate. Males and older residents are more likely to report familiarity with the term.

Age % Familiar

18 to 34 51%▼

35 to 54 56%

55+ 65%▲

Gender % Familiar

Male 65%▲

Female 50%▼

(8)

65%

27%

24%

22%

14%

11%

11%

10%

8%

5%

5%

4%

3%

3%

9%

6%

Garbage/waste Treating/dealing with/management Disposal/getting rid of Anything solid/not liquid Sewage/sewer system/waste water Recycling Dump/landfill Human waste/feces Collecting/collection Not recyclable Household Ethical/safe/environmentally friendly Won’t break down/non-biodegradable Compost Other Don’t know/no comment/nothing

5. What does “solid waste management” mean to you? Please do not reference any sources. We’re interested in your top-of-mind response. Base: all respondents, n=802.

Garbage / waste is the most common description of "solid waste management" among residents. Few connect recycling and composting with solid waste management.

Solid waste would be the heavier waste in your septic tank. And solid waste management would be how it’s disposed of, where it ends up once it’s pumped out, and how it’s pumped out. Possibly

how effective it’s managed and if there are better environmental options out there.

Solid waste management means

the proper disposal of waste in an ethical

and environmentally responsible way.

Might be wrong - disposal of stuff that cannot be recycled or burned - big things like couches and household trash?

Solid waste management is dealing with waste that cannot be recycled or

reused.

It is the management of all solid wastes, including material that is landfilled, recycled or re-used.

It's the collection, disposal, and reduction strategies for household

and commercial solid waste.

Solid Waste Management Meaning

(9)

6. Overall, how effective do you believe Saskatchewan is in the management of solid waste? Base: all respondents, n=802.

More than one half believe Saskatchewan is effective in the management of solid waste. Older residents are more likely to be content with how solid waste is managed in the province.

48% 7% 55% Somewhat effective

Very effective 23%

25% 2%

Not very effective Not at all effective

Solid Waste Management in

Saskatchewan

20%

Not Sure

Age % Effective

18 to 34 48%▼

35 to 54 57%▲

55+ 59%▲

Gender Not at all effective

Male 3%▲

Female 1%▼

(10)

41%

29%

19%

19%

14%

10%

9%

9%

8%

8%

7%

3%

3%

3%

3%

2%

5%

2%

Environmental damage/more pollution-general Contaminated water Contaminated soil/land Full/overflow landfills/space Disease/sickness/health risks Air pollution/gas Harm to animals/wildlife Chemical/toxins leakage/leaching Littering/esthetics/illegal dumping Recyclables going to landfill/not recycled Contamination-unspecific Tainted recycling Pest infestations Cause fires Financial cost (for taxpayers) Climate change Other Don’t know/no comment

Environmental damage, water and soil contamination and landfill overflow are most often believed to be risks of improper solid waste management.

Groundwater contamination is my biggest concern. Toxic chemicals getting into the air is another.

There are environmental considerations. But I think that the biggest risk is cost. It costs a lot of money to manage waste, and taxpayers may not care enough about this issue to throw

dollars at it.

Misallocation to landfill, dangerous fires, soil, air and water contamination, waste of valuable and reusable resources,

interference with wildlife diet and habitat.

Environmental damage from items that do not biodegrade or that produce harmful chemicals in the degrading process and

can end up in areas where they could do serious harm.

Contamination of aquifer, soils used for agriculture and water supply, atmospheric damage to the ozone, air pollution (particulate and gaseous), damage to ecosystems and wildlife.

Solid Waste Risks

(11)

Radio

Internet University

Recycling Industry saskatoon.ca

8. Before now, had you heard of the province’s Solid Waste Management Strategy? Base: all respondents, n=802. 9. How did you hear about Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy? Please select all that apply. Base: respondents who have heard of the province’s Solid Waste Management Strategy, n=72.

Few are aware of the Saskatchewan Solid Waste Management Strategy. Media coverage, government messaging and social media are the main sources of awareness.

91% Yes 9%

No

Heard of the Province’s Solid Waste Management Strategy

57%

33%

31%

13%

13%

8%

10%

Media coverage

Government messaging / advertising

Social media

Coworkers or business contacts

Government of Saskatchewan website (saskatchewan.ca)

Friends or family

Other:

Information Sources on the Solid Waste

Management Strategy

(12)

Landfill Usage,

Composting and

Recycling

(13)

86%

60%

35%

33%

11%

1%

My household recycles our waste where possible

My household makes a conscious effort to reduce the amount of waste we create

Most of my household’s waste is sent to a landfill

My household composts our waste where possible

My household burns some of our waste

None of the above

Household Waste Management

(Select All That Apply)

Most households claim to recycle waste, and more than half say they attempt to limit waste going to landfill. Some variances are noted by demographic variables.

Age

18 to 34 42%▲

35 to 54 35%

55+ 29%▼

Gender Male 40%▲

Female 31%▼

Gender Male 56%▼

Female 64%▲

Age

18 to 34 55%▼

35 to 54 56%▼

55+ 67%▲

Age

18 to 34 28%▼

35 to 54 31%

55+ 40%▲

Region

North 29%▼

Regina 22%▼

Saskatoon 43%▲

South 36%▲

Gender

Male 32%

Female 34%

(14)

36%

29%

22%

18%

14%

3%

7%

73%

29%

9%

7%

6%

2%

3%

Waste Disposal Methods Food Waste Yard Waste

<1%

11. How does your household typically dispose of your yard waste? Please select all that apply. Base: all respondents, n=802. 12. How does your household typically dispose of your food

Most commonly, yard and food waste ends up in landfills, although composting at home is also common.

Garbage bin going to the landfill Composting at home

Municipal curbside collection composting program Municipal drop off depot Sink garburator Do not have yard waste Feed to livestock Feed to livestock Municipal drop off depot

Other Do not have food waste

Other

(15)

25% 47% 28%

9% 50% 41%

52%

24%

24%

Yes No Not sure 43%

49%

9%

Yes No Not sure If Yes, Does Your Household

Currently Use It?

45%

29%

27%

Yes No Not sure If No/Not Sure, Would

You Use It if Offered?

13. Which of the following composting programs are currently offered in your area? Base: all respondents, n=802. 14. Does your household currently use each of the following composting programs?

Base: all respondents who have a composting program offered in their area, n=70-271. 15. Would your household use each of the following composting programs if they were offered in your area?

Very few say they have access to home incentive or municipal composting programs in their community, although sizable proportions are unsure. Current program participation and interest in future participation are modest.

Composting at Home Incentive Program Offered

Yes No

91%

51% 43

% 5%

Yes No Not sure If Yes, Does Your Household

Currently Use It?

25% 75%

Municipal Composting Curbside Collection Program Offered

Not Sure 9%

Yes No Not Sure

If No/Not Sure, Would You Use It if Offered?

(16)

16% 41% 43%

34% 29% 37%

13. Which of the following composting programs are currently offered in your area? Base: all respondents, n=802. 14. Does your household currently use each of the following composting programs?

Base: all respondents who have a composting program offered in their area, n=70-271. 15. Would your household use each of the following composting programs if they were offered in your area?

24%

40%

36%

Yes No Not sure 31%

39%

31%

Yes No Not sure If Yes, Does Your Household

Currently Use It? If No/Not Sure, Would

You Use It if Offered?

One third of residents claim to have access to drop-off composting depots while few report having access to subscription services for composting. Again, sizable proportions are unsure about both programs.

Current use of drop-off depots is high and use of subscription services is moderate. Future interest in both programs is moderate.

Municipal Composting Drop-off Depot Program Offered

Yes 34% 66%

If Yes, Does Your Household Currently Use It?

Yes

16% 84%

If No/Not Sure, Would You Use It if Offered?

Voluntary Subscription Service Curbside Composting Collection Program Offered

43% 55%

Yes No Not sure 60%

38%

Yes No Not sure

No Not Sure

No Not Sure

(17)

16. Which of the following statements best describes your household? Base: all respondents, n=802.

17. Why does your household [rarely/never in q16] recycle? Please select all that apply. all respondents who rarely/never recycle, n=19.

Almost one-half of households claim to recycle all recyclable waste. Among the few that recycle infrequently, space, convenience, time and lack of local programs are common barriers noted.

37%

32%

26%

26%

11%

11%

16%

I don’t have the space in my home It’s not convenient enough I don’t have the time to recycle My municipality does not offer recycling I’m not interested in recycling I’m not aware of the recycling programs Other 8%

11%

We recycle sometimes

We rarely/never recycle 44% 46% 89%

We recycle a lot, but some

recyclables end up in our garbage We recycle everything that can be recycled

Household Recycling

Why?

(18)

18. Which of the following recycling programs in Saskatchewan are you aware of? Base: all respondents, n=802.

Awareness and participation in the SARCAN beverage program is near universal. Other prominent recycling programs include electronics, paint, batteries and “blue box” programming. Awareness is low for specialized hazardous items and grain bags.

Recycling Programs

95%

67% 52% 53% 57%

35% 36% 31%

15%

17%

28% 22% 12%

25% 24% 27%

18%

15%

96% 84% 80% 75% 69%

60% 60% 58%

33%

17%

16% 20% 25% 31%

40% 40% 42%

67% 83%

Beverage containers (SARCAN)

Electronics Paint Batteries Packaging and printed paper

(“blue box”

program)

Tires Used oil, filters

and containers Household Hazardous

Waste

Antifreeze and

containers Grain bags Participate Aware but Don't Participate Aware Not Aware

100%

(19)

12%

13%

Not very effective Not at all effective

5% Recycling Programs

Meeting the Needs of Households

Not Sure

63% 19% 82%

Somewhat effective Very effective

Most residents believe Saskatchewan's recycling programs are at least somewhat effective.

(20)

21%23%

13%15%

8%9%

7%8%

4%4%

3%4%

2%3%

8% 14%

Composting/food/yard waste Better access/curbside Expand plastic/packaging recyclability Glass Incentives to recycle/free/deposit return Hazardous waste (i.e., oil, batteries, etc.) Better/more information on what is recyclable Plastic bags Styrofoam Generally more range of material/waste reduction More frequent collection/pick ups Electronics Anything/everything Furniture/household items Other Don’t know/no comment

Composting, better access to recycling facilities, expanding plastic / packaging and glass recycling are the most desired enhancements to recycling programs.

Single point recycling.

Have one location that deals with everything.

Have bins for apartments.

It’s very hard to store compost inside a suite.

I'd like to see a better tire and oil collection for larger amounts of

farm waste that is hard to transport safely.

Would like to see more local collection stations - to assist rural

areas - so you would not have to drive so far to recycle.

I would love to know what happens to our recyclables, and I would love to see things like milk come in reusable glass containers delivered to the door. I would also love to see laundry detergent in

bulk to bring a container to a store and refill it.

Additional Recycling Programs Suggestions

I would like to see an expanded plastic recycling program to include packaging made from non-stretchable plastic (like the bags that

pasta comes in.)

(21)

Communication

Preferences

(22)

22. As the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to providing education and awareness of solid waste management issues and solutions for effective solid waste management, how would you like to receive information on programs and actions related to waste management? Please select all that apply. Base: all respondents, n=802.

Social media, Government of Saskatchewan websites and media coverage are the preferred information sources on solid waste management. Some demographic differences are noted.

46%

42%

42%

37%

36%

34%

29%

28%

18%

13%

9%

3%

Social media Government of Saskatchewan websites Media coverage Radio ads Printed materials that are mailed out to you TV ads Online ads Outdoor ads such as billboards Information booths at festivals, fairs and other shows and gatherings

YouTube ads I am not interested in learning more about

Saskatchewan’s waste management programs and actions Other:

Preferred Information Sources

Age 18 to 34 48%

35 to 54 51%▲

55+ 39%▼

Gender

Male 40%▼

Female 51%▲

Age

18 to 34 24%▼

35 to 54 28%▼

55+ 49%▲

Gender Male 31%▼

Female 38%▲

(23)

23. Have you visited any of the following websites within the past 12 months? Please select all that apply. Base: all respondents, n=802.

Both provincial and municipal governments are the most trusted sources of information on recycling and solid waste management. SARCAN is by far the most visited website when it comes to recycling in Saskatchewan.

24. What organizations do you trust most for information about recycling and solid waste management? Please select all that apply. Base: all respondents, n=802.

57%

53%

41%

29%

26%

22%

9%

Government of Saskatchewan

My local or municipal government

Recycling industry organizations

Local businesses and organizations

Government of Canada

Other non-profit organizations

None of the above

Trusted Organizations

SARCAN 53%

Recycle My Electronics 11%

Recycle Saskatchewan 8%

Government of Saskatchewan –

Saskatchewan Waste Management 5%

Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council 3%

Call2Recycle 1%

Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan 1%

Cleanfarms 1%

Multi Material Stewardship Western 0%

ProductCare 0%

None of the above 43%

Websites Visited Within the Past 12 Months

(24)

17%

13%

9%

8%

8%

7%

7%

6%

5%

3%

2%

2%

2%

8%

28%

More advertising/communication/awareness-general Print/mail outs/bill insert Easier/more accessible to recycle Expand recycling program Incentives to recycle (i.e., tax credits, deposit refunds, etc.) Online/website Social media Television Radio Email Don’t send info Billboards/signs Teach in schools Other Don’t know/no comment

25. Do you have any other comments about the best ways to communicate and make residents more aware of the Saskatchewan Solid Waste Management Strategy? Base: respondents who have

Bill inserts, flyers and online/tv ads are common suggestions to communicate Saskatchewan’s Solid Waste Management Strategy to residents.

Distribute info with bills sent out by crown corporations- SaskTel, SaskPower, SaskEnergy.

Maybe monetized incentive programs. The only reason many people recycle and collect cans and bottles is for a

refund.

Billboards would be effective if they provided a reference people could learn more from.

Not radio or TV ads.

Anyone under 30 will not see/hear them.

People are becoming more aware of one-time consumables. Those who want to help will spread the

word if a recycling program becomes more accessible.

Have a compost pick-up program and weekly recycling pick-up for households.

Schools are a great way to teach kids and, in turn, their

parents about this.

I would like to see advertisements that explain why people should be doing certain things, not simply that they should. Explain how

the water table can be contaminated. Explain the

long-term problems that come from waste. Explain

how fatbergs form.

Best Ways to Communicate Solid Waste Management Strategy

References

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