Public Opinion Analysis of Waste Sorting and Recycling: Research Report on Waste Sorting and Recycling

I. Background

We live in a world where waste is generated every day no matter what we do. How should this waste be properly disposed of so that it does no harm to us?

II. Research Objectives

1. To understand proper methods of waste disposal
2. To raise awareness of environmental protection
3. To improve personal research capabilities

III. Research Methods

1. Consulting books
2. Interviewing people around us
3. Searching online
4. Conducting on-site field research

IV. Research Content

1. Littering behavior on the streets
2. Conditions of trash bins and cleaning services in streets and residential areas
3. Household waste sorting practices

V. Research Preparation
Before the survey, we collected online information about the hazards of waste and waste sorting.
Materials show that toxic substances in waste can pollute soil, air and water resources, not only wasting resources but also severely damaging the ecological environment.
When large amounts of waste accumulate, microbial decomposition occurs in landfills, producing methane gas, which can easily explode once concentrated.
Waste contains rich proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Under normal temperatures, microbial decomposition of organic matter produces NH₃, H₂S and harmful hydrocarbon gases, which have obvious foul odors and toxicity, directly endangering human health.

Discarded electronic and electrical products, if littered and scattered into the environment, can harm human health and damage the ecosystem.
For example, harmful heavy metals in e-waste, once entering water bodies, can cause long-term damage to water environments and the health of nearby residents.
In addition, Freon in refrigerants and thermal insulation foams of refrigerators and air conditioners can damage the atmospheric ozone layer once leaked, further endangering human health.
If we do not take effective measures to properly dispose of waste, we will eventually face retaliation and find no clean land to live on.

Timeframe for natural decomposition of waste:
Paper: 3–4 months
Cigarette butts: 1–5 years
Orange peels: 2 years
Iron cans: 10 years
Nylon fabrics: 30–40 years
Leather: 50 years
Plastic bottles: 80–100 years
Plastics: 100–200 years
Glass bottles: 4,000 years
Wool fabrics: 1–5 years

Waste Classification Guide:
Recyclable waste: paper, metal, plastic, glass, etc.
Kitchen waste: leftover food, bones, vegetable roots and leaves, etc.
Hazardous waste: used batteries, waste fluorescent tubes, mercury thermometers, expired medicines, etc.
Other waste: bricks and ceramics, residue, toilet paper, and other non-recyclable items

VI. Research Process
Group 1 investigated residential areas and a farmers’ market.

Research Process and Findings:
1. Littering on the streets
The survey started at a trash bin near Nanyuan Community. In the morning, the bin had just been cleaned and was empty.

Young people: threw banana peels 5 meters away from the bin
Fashionably dressed women: held their noses and tossed plastic bags hastily
Middle-aged man: passed the bin and threw a plastic bottle into the nearby river
Young pupils: carefully put unfinished food packaging into the bin
Elderly woman: walked carefully to the bin and disposed of waste properly

Survey results:
One hour later, among 13 people who disposed of waste, only 3 used the bin properly.
Garbage piled up around the bin, with flies swarming above.

2. Conditions of trash bins and cleaning services
From the farmers’ market to Yucai Primary School:
10 unsorted trash bins along the road, with little waste inside.
Street vendors were closing, leaving vegetable leaves and fruit branches on the ground, making the area very dirty.
One hour later, the area was cleaned by sanitation workers.

Yiyuan Community:
The community had large and small trash bins as well as a waste room.
The opening of small bins was only about 10 cm high, making it hard to fit larger bags.
Some people left waste on top of the bins for convenience.
Large bins were in better condition.
Waste in the waste room was regularly collected, with no illegal dumping.

Songlan Community:
Trash bins were labeled recyclable and non-recyclable, and the ground was tidy.
Although the outside looked clean, waste inside was not properly sorted but randomly thrown.
Recyclable items such as paper and plastic bottles were mistakenly placed in non-recyclable bins.
Hazardous waste such as used batteries, fluorescent tubes, expired medicines and mercury thermometers were mixed into recyclable bins.

Group 2 surveyed residents and students.
1. Survey of 10 households
Only 2 households understood and were willing to sort waste.
5 households understood and were willing but found it inconvenient due to small bin lids and large amounts of waste.
2 households understood but refused to sort because it was too troublesome.
1 household did not understand sorting at all.

2. Survey of 20 students on waste disposal methods
Waste sorting and bagging: 5%
Waste incineration: 1%
Landfill: 1%
Disposal in bins: 90%
Littering: 3%

Survey Conclusion:
Proper waste disposal methods:
Recycle usable waste by sorting, then send it to agents or factories for reprocessing.
This method is efficient, economical and pollution-free.
Organic waste can be composted at high temperatures; hazardous waste should be incinerated or landfilled properly.

VII. Reflections and Suggestions

Based on the research results, we summarize the following suggestions:

1. Formulate an overall plan for installing sorted trash bins with systematic layout, rather than symbolic projects. Waste sorting concerns everyone’s living habits and quality of life.

2. Mark sorted trash bins with clear pictures or text labels to help people sort waste easily and accurately.

3. Let citizens experience tangible benefits from waste sorting. For example, communities with good sorting performance could receive free water for each household, which is not only economical but also an honor and a socially recognized public welfare act.

4. Use personal shopping baskets and refuse single-use plastic bags. Promote eco-friendly bags, improve technology, reduce costs and enhance usability, such as placing advertisements on reusable bags.

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