Ethnic variation in stated recycling attitudes and behaviors among households in Ontario, Canada

Abstract In a review of 12 ethnic groups in three urban communities in the Greater Toronto Area, this study found that there is significant behavioral heterogeneity with respect to why people recycle, motivators for recycling, and general attitudes towards the environment and stewardship. White Canadians reported having the most positive attitudes towards recycling and awareness of recycling consequences, while ethnic minorities did not readily equate recycling with particular environmental outcomes (i.e. recycling helps mitigate climate change). A particularly salient finding is that there is a marked difference in reported behavior and attitudes between first and second (and third etc.) generation immigrants across all cultural groups. 2nd and 3rd generation Ontarians have much more homogenous behavioral drivers that inform recycling participation relative to those born outside the country. 2nd and 3rd generation Canadians were more likely to report recycling for altruistic and habitual reasons. However, first generation immigrants often reported having significantly different drivers of behavior.