Reacquiring Consumer Waste: Treasure in Our Trash?

Abstract

The reacquisition of discarded objects reshapes linear consumption into a cycle, simultaneously reducing new resources consumed and reducing consumer waste. In this article, the authors examine sustainable consumption behavior in the context of the annual inorganic collection in Auckland, New Zealand. Depth interviews and observations revealed that the recognition that treasure can be found in trash was pivotal in motivating collectors to collect for themselves and others, prolonging the useful life of objects. Contrary to the “future-for-others” framing of sustainable consumption that is often evident in public discourse, collectors initially had a “present-for-us” perspective. However, being confronted with excessive waste made this negative consequence of consumerism more proximate, motivating subsequent sustainable consumption behavior. The authors suggest how public policy makers can take advantage of the finding that the desire to consume sustainably is both a motivator and a consequence of sustainable consumption.