Despite the strong recycling culture in Australia, recycling contamination remains a prevalent issue, with materials such as takeaway coffee cups mistaken as being recyclable. A gap has been identified of the current lack of research towards recycling behaviours and accuracy within public settings.

An experimental case study was conducted to investigate how location and accessibility of coffee-cup recycling receptacles within a public space affects the recycling behaviour within a public setting. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was employed to explain antecedents influencing behaviour realisation.

Using mixed-methods research, findings revealed that better location/accessibility of coffee cup bins removed circumstance (physical) constraints, thereby encouraging recycling behaviour. However, the accuracy of recycling was not wholly influenced by location. The unattractive and unclear coffee cup bin design as well as lack of understanding towards its purpose were key issues leading towards high bin contamination rates. To address these issues, better signage, alternative bin design and a revised TPB are pathways recommended for further exploration.