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Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis logoLink to Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
. 1973 Winter;6(4):579–586. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1973.6-579

Positive reinforcement of litter removal in the natural environment1,2

Richard B Powers 1, J Grayson Osborne 1, Emmett G Anderson 1
PMCID: PMC1310876  PMID: 16795442

Abstract

Litter is an especially large and costly problem in unsupervised high-use recreational areas. This study investigated procedures to induce visitors to remove litter from an unsupervised U.S. Forest Service area in which signs attached to two litter stations instructed people to pick up and deposit litter. A small sum of money or chances on a larger sum given for participation usually resulted in more bags of litter being picked up per week. Although only a small proportion of the area's users participated in the project, ground surveys indicated the areas sampled were somewhat freer of litter during the payment condition. The results suggest that small monetary rewards may be a promising approach to litter control in unsupervised as well as supervised areas.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

  1. Burgess R. L., Clark R. N., Hendee J. C. An experimental analysis of anti-litter procedures. J Appl Behav Anal. 1971 Summer;4(2):71–75. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1971.4-71. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

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