Developing a Tentative Model of Disposal Decisions

W. David Conn, University of California - Los Angeles
Elaine C. Warren, University of California - Los Angeles

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Publisher's website: http://www.baywood.com
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2190/292Q-6RKL-KJ96-UTAX

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author W. David Conn was affiliated with the University of California - Los Angeles. Currently, April 2008, he is Vice Provost of Academic Programs & Undergraduate Education and Professor of City & Regional Planning at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

Abstract

Concern over problems of resource depletion, environmental damage, and the ever-increasing costs of disposing of solid wastes has led to a search for new approaches to managing these wastes. One way of reducing the rate at which the wastes are first generated might be to extend the lifetimes of durable products. To assist policymakers in understanding how the lifetimes are determined, an exploratory study has examined factors influencing consumers' decisions to dispose of certain small electrical appliances. Selected findings of a household survey are presented here, focusing on 1) the frequency distribution of disposal choices and the reasons given for disposal, and 2) variables associated with particular disposal options. A tentative model of the process leading from consumer purchase to consumer disposal is proposed.