PLASTIC WASTE AND ITS REMOVAL BY LICENSED HORTICULTURAL FIRMS IN GEORGIA, USA

The purpose of the study was the investigation of horticultural firm behavior regarding plastic waste recycling and the constraints and incentives to increase the volume of recycled plastics. Licensed horticultural firms in Georgia recycle plastic waste such as plastic pots, trays, and multipacks to varying degrees. The survey involved horticultural firms licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to conduct business in Georgia. A total of 2,194 firms were contacted and 299 completed the questionnaire. The scope of the survey was larger than a survey conducted in 2013. The survey response summary revealed that the majority of firms recycled at least one half of the used plastic pots. Results show that constraints to recycling include the sorting, storage, and cleaning of plastic waste. The share of respondents agreeing that those factors limit plastic recycling was 59%, 56%, and 69%, respectively. Lower waste pickup fees in exchange for plastic recycling would increase the volume of recycled plastic waste in the horticultural sector