Identification and Evaluation of Influences and Motivations Related to Participation in the Los Angeles County Yard Waste Management Program

The attitudes, behaviors, motivations and norms of people who participate in various types of waste diversion activities have been studied extensively, yet few studies have focused specifically on yard waste management programs. The research presented here summarizes and analyzes the results of two separate surveys of residents, administered two years apart, to understand the influences and motivations for participating in the County of Los Angeles' Smart Gardening Program.;In 2000, a telephone survey of 472 residents was administered and included 57 questions across eight categories of inquiry, which included: (1) general screening; (2) general environmental awareness and specific awareness of AB 939; (3) composting awareness and participation; (4) grass recycling awareness and participation; (5) water-wise gardening awareness and participation; (6) Smart Gardening Program website awareness and participation; (7) workshop awareness and participation; and (8) demographic background.;In 2002, a mail survey was administered to 454 residents and included 66 questions across ten categories of inquiry, which included: (1) awareness of AB 939; (2) backyard composting awareness and participation; (3) worm composting awareness and participation; (4) grass recycling awareness and participation; (5) water-wise gardening awareness and participation; (6) fire-wise gardening awareness and participation; (7) Smart Gardening Program website awareness and participation; (8) workshop awareness and participation; (9) Program video interest; and (10) demographic background.;The results indicate that the Smart Gardening Program has been effective in achieving the primary goal of improving program outreach, awareness and participation among residents. The surveys also indicated that household size and income were poorly linked to program participation, while educational level, presence of children and general interest in gardening and home improvements have a strong correlation with program participation. A strong correlation also exists between residents who could actively recall having seen or heard something about the program and those that participated in at least one element, indicating that continued active outreach and education efforts are key to maintaining and enhancing program participation.;Key words: Solid waste management, yard waste, green waste, survey methods, participation.