An ISM approach to overcome the participation barriers in the waste source separation-a case study: Urmia University...

A procedure developed to identify and facilitate the implementation of waste source separation strategies applicable in higher education centers, as a prerequisite for the expansion of recycling programs. The target materials proper to be separated were selected based on quantitative/qualitative analysis of waste produced on the Nazlou Campus of Urmia University, Iran (as a case study). The barriers to implementation of the program were identified using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) methodology. Finally, regarding the main obstacles which could be broken down inside the campus complex, an analysis of factors affecting student participation were done. On average, 37.48% of 1.74 tons of waste daily produced on the campus could be recycled. Based on sieve analyses, the categories of non-ferrous metals, glass, and composite packaging have a wider size distribution (i.e., over 150 to under 80 mm) might lead to improper operation of further mechanical separations and be selected as target materials. The weakness of educational programs and persuading the students are considered the main obstacles. A significant relationship was observed between the three training options, namely "installation of announcements," "organizing waste management classes," and "training through holding the exhibition of recycled products" and the student participation in the program (with more emphasis on the last one). Women were estimated to be more likely than men to participate in the program (70 vs 49%). Also, there was a significant relationship between the knowledge and the student's participation. In other words, strengthening public awareness is essential to increase the participation level.