ARCHIVED - F and DA (Food and Drugs Act) Environmental Assessment Regulations Project Benchmark Survey: A Report to Health Canada (POR-02-13)

A Report to Health Canada (POR-02-13) Office of Regulatory and International Affairs

Health Canada commissioned COMPAS to undertake Benchmark Research with the general public to assess awareness, attitudes, knowledge and behaviours related to the disposal of products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and their potential environmental impact.

Executive Summary

Health Canada commissioned COMPAS to undertake research with the general public to assess awareness, attitudes, knowledge and behaviours related to the disposal of products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and their potential environmental impact. A total of 1,512 surveys were completed by phone March 9-15, 2002. Based on a sample of this size, the results can be considered to be accurate within +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20.

Background and Context

Asked in an open-ended fashion to identify the most important health-related issues facing Canadians at this time, most people identified issues related to the quality of our healthcare, and most especially deficiencies in the healthcare system. This included the poor quality of healthcare in general (19%), followed by more specific issues, such as lack of funding (14%), lack of doctors (13%), lack of hospitals and hospital beds (12%), and long waiting lists (10%) (two responses accepted).
Asked to identify the most important environmental issue facing Canadians at this time, participants pointed most often to three issues: pollution in general (25%), water quality (25%), and air quality (21%) (two responses accepted). Each of these issues was identified more than twice as often as any others, and suggests that Canadians tend to view environmental issues in general terms.
78% of respondents described themselves as knowledgeable about the safe disposal of household products once they have finished using them. However, people were more likely to describe themselves as moderately (54%) as opposed to very knowledgeable (24%). Approximately one-quarter said they are not very or not at all knowledgeable about this.

Recycling and Patterns of Disposal

85% of respondents indicated that their household currently participates in a recycling program. Relatively few, 15%, said that they do not. The focus here was on items that are picked up for recycling, not dropped off.
90% of those who take part in a recycling program said that their program covers paper products. Significant numbers also participate in programs that recycle plastic (75%), glass (64%), and cans (61%).
59% drop off some items at a location in their area for recycling. Products that were identified most often include paint (36%), paper products (35%), glass (30%), cans and plastic (29% each) (multiple responses accepted). Also cited were batteries (16%) and chemicals or hazardous waste (11%). Many of the items near the top of the list are things that other households have picked up. It is likely that in some locations in Canada, particularly rural areas, there are no pick-up recycling programs only drop off depots.
68% said they do not dispose of products in ways other than through the regular garbage or recycling. However, slightly less than one-third (31%) said they do. When these people were asked to identify what they dispose of in other ways, they pointed most often to paint (22%), followed by a number of products, each cited by roughly the same number (9-13%), including motor oil, food scraps, compost, paper products, and batteries.

Consumer Shopping Behaviour

Respondents were read a list of consumer products and asked to indicate how often they read the label on the product before purchasing it. They were most likely to read the labels on over-the-counter medications (81%) and natural health products (79%). Slightly more than half (52-55%) regularly read the labels on things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits, cosmetic products, and household cleaners, although significant numbers (27-32%) said they rarely or never do this. Clients were least likely to read labels on personal care products, although they were more likely to do this (44%) than not (38%).
Participants who said they read labels at least occasionally for these products were asked what type of information they are looking for. The most common answer, by far, was the ingredients (73%). As well, two other types of information were cited by significant numbers: the negative effects or dangers (44%) and instructions for use (34%). Few of those who read labels volunteered that they look for information on how to dispose of the product. However, when asked directly if they also look for such information, over half (57%) said that they do.

Knowledge and Awareness of Product Disposal

54% said they are at least occasionally uncertain about how to dispose of certain kinds of household products so that they do not harm the environment this (18% said often). A significant minority said they are rarely (29%) or never (16%) uncertain about this.
When respondents are uncertain about how to dispose of a product after using it, they tend to do one of two things. Almost half (48%) put it in the regular trash, while 28% said they call someone for information on what to do.
Asked whether certain products pose a threat to the environment and therefore require special disposal, participants' opinions varied by product:
- 97% said that this definitely or probably applied to paint.
- 94% to veterinary medications, such as antibiotics and hormones (asked only to those working with livestock, horses, and farm animals).
- 90% to household cleaners, and unused or expired prescription drugs and household cleaners.
- 81% to unused or expired non-prescription drugs and other medication.
- 71% to things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits.
- 52% to cosmetic products, such as makeup, cream and lotions.
- 46% to natural health products, such as nutritional supplements and health remedies.
- 45% to personal care products, such as bath soap and shampoo.
- 39% to genetically modified foods.
- 37% to products with food additives, such as food colouring and preservatives.
- 35% to left-over meat.
- 26% to coffee grinds, vegetable trimmings and other kitchen scraps.

Related Attitudes

Participants were read a series of statements and asked to express their level of agreement with each one. Using a 7-point scale (7 = strongly agree; 1 = strongly disagree):
- 82% agreed that they are very interested in learning all they could about how to safely dispose of household products so that they don't harm the environment.
- 82% agreed that if they knew what was required to safely dispose of household products, they would do this all the time even if inconvenient.
- 50% agreed that they always consider a product's impact on the environment when deciding whether to buy it.
- 43% agreed that they get enough information about the safe disposal of household products.
- 35% agreed that consumer products that are available for sale in Canada are generally safe for the environment.
- 31% agreed that dropping off household products to recycling facilities takes too much time and effort (59% disagreed).
- 30% agreed that taking their unused or expired medication to the pharmacy for disposal would be inconvenient (63% disagreed).
In short, participants tended to express positive attitudes in most of these areas. Most are interested in more information on safe disposal, say they would take appropriate action if they knew what to do, and do not think dropping off left-over products takes too much time or effort or is inconvenient. When the focus is on current behaviour, the situation is somewhat less positive: many say they do not always consider the impact on the environment when they buy a product.

Education and Awareness

32% of participants would go to government departments or city hall if they wanted information about recycling and the safe disposal of household waste. This was followed by the Internet or on-line sources (17%), a recycling depot (14%), or disposal authorities (9%) (multiple responses accepted).
Participants were somewhat divided over which level of government should provide information to Canadians about the safe disposal of household waste. Equal numbers (27% each) identified the federal and municipal governments, while one in five identified provincial governments. Almost one-quarter (23%) said that all levels should be involved in this.
Asked how important it is for the Government of Canada to develop regulations for the industry to inform consumers about the safe disposal of household products in order to protect the environment, nearly everyone (93%) said this is important, with 82% attributing to it strong importance.
Two factors dominated in terms of ways to encourage Canadians to take action to safely dispose of household products: nearly half (42%) identified education or information about which products require special disposal, followed by one-third (32%) who advocated raising awareness through publicity. A variety of other factors were also identified.
Among obstacles that might make it difficult for Canadians to take action to safely dispose of household products, two factors once again head the list: a lack of information or education (27%) and inconvenience (25%).
80% do not recall hearing anything about new F&DA Environmental Assessment Regulations in the past 12 months. Conversely, 19% recall hearing something about this. Those who did identified a number of recollections, but none with any frequency. These included references to the contamination of water, the proper disposal of waste, genetically modified foods, and finding traces of chemicals in various places.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The survey findings suggest that Canadians, for the most part, view themselves as relatively knowledgeable about the safe disposal of household products. However, most do not appear to link the disposal of household waste to the protection of the environment. Rather, top-of-mind for them appears to be the link between product disposal and the safety of children and others from a health perspective (e.g. ensuring that hypodermic needles/unused medication are not accessible). By way of context, it is noteworthy that only 3% identified waste disposal as a top environmental issue at the start of the survey.

In considering these results, one should remember that the data concern aspects of opinion and behaviour that are more specific than the phenomena which are generally central to the way Canadians think about the environment. Typically, Canadians tend to organize their thoughts about the environment in terms of air quality, water quality and very general ideas about pollution. Furthermore, in some other studies, when people were probed about what they meant by pollution, they were more likely to associate it with industrial pollution rather than the results of their own household activities. Thus, the realm of pollution from the disposal of domestic products is likely not at the centre of people's thoughts on this topic (other than "standard" recycling).

In terms of current behaviour, the vast majority of Canadians participate in recycling programs (which typically cover paper products, plastic, glass and cans), while a clear majority also drop off at local facilities or depots additional items not covered by their pick-up recycling program. As well, slightly less than one-third use alternative means, over and above the regular trash and recycling, to dispose of products. Although not asked directly, it is evident that many Canadians also compost some household waste.

From a recycling perspective, therefore, many Canadians currently exhibit positive behaviours. Taken together, this appears to represent an excellent base upon which to build awareness and behaviours related to products governed by the F&DA.

That said, the types of things that people do recycle, beyond the standard items, tend to be products that have a strong chemical base to them, such as paint, motor oil, batteries, and other chemicals/hazardous waste. Added to this list, in terms of special disposal beyond recycling and the regular trash, are prescription and non-prescription drugs, items that also have a "strong chemical" aspect to them. Many of the items regulated by the F&DA - cosmetics, personal care products, natural health products - are often disposed of through the regular trash. In short, Canadians are more likely to link "strong chemicals" to the need for special disposal than they are to link any other types of products beyond the standard items that are recycled.

In terms of reading labels, there is considerable variation in the propensity to do so based on the type of product. Significantly, the types of products lower down on the list (i.e. whose labels are read less often) are also the types of products that are disposed of most often through the regular trash. And when reading labels, people are looking for information on ingredients, health/hazard warnings or instructions. Few are looking for disposal information. This is further evidence of the lack of salience that this issue has among Canadians (i.e. the environmental impact of household products disposal). However, once reading the labels, most people do indicate that they read disposal information. That is, people are not looking for information about how to dispose of the product when they read the label, but if it is there, most will pay attention to it.

Toward the end of the survey, respondents were asked how often they feel unsure about how to dispose of household products. More than half are uncertain about this at least "occasionally". Unlike the earlier measure in the survey, this one is directly linked to environmental protection and suggests that there is greater doubt among Canadians as to what is truly required in terms of safe disposal from an environmental perspective. And when people are not sure of how to dispose of a product, the main default option is to put it in the regular garbage. This speaks to the need to provide information on what else could be done, and to educate Canadians on alternatives to recycling and regular garbage. There was considerable variety in people's perceptions as to which products require special disposal.

Overall, the attitudes expressed by Canadians tend to be very pro-environment. This suggests that Canadians would be receptive to information disseminated on the subject by Health Canada. Not only do the vast majority express interest in information on the safe disposal of household products, an equally high number indicate that they would "always" safely dispose of such products if they knew how. There was also strong support for regulations to require manufacturers to provide disposal information. People were less positive in terms of always considering the environmental impact of products when they buy them, and in terms of putting up with inconvenience when disposing of items.

In terms of which level of government is expected to provide relevant information, respondents pointed in almost equal numbers to all three levels, including all three together. Government was also ranked first in terms of where they would go for such information, although the Internet and recycling depots were also identified with some frequency.

Cluster analysis shows that one can view these phenomena in terms of three types of people. There are those who rely on ordinary garbage disposal and have few other concerns with related issues, those who are engaged in using existing information and using alternatives to ordinary garbage disposal, and those who are less active but who have some doubts about the environmental safety of consumer products and would like more information. Underlying this, we see that some demographic characteristics are relevant, including age, gender, and to a lesser degree, education and region.

Taken together, the results paint a portrait of a population that does not appear to be well informed in this area - in fact, is not even aware that this is an issue - but that does appear to be open to information that educates them about the scope of the problem and about appropriate methods of disposal. Moreover, armed with information, Canadians indicate that they would adopt behaviours conducive to good environmental stewardship.

There are a number of issues that Health Canada might consider in its marketing and communications activities to promote the safe disposal of household products. We offer the following recommendations for the department's consideration:

Given that most Canadians do not appear to link the safe disposal of household products with environmental protection and stewardship, there is a need for the department to emphasize this link in all related communications. This is required to drive home the message, on an ongoing basis, that safe product disposal and environmental protection are related. Otherwise, there is a danger that people will not make this link, and might therefore be less attentive to information on product disposal.
As noted, Canadians tend to view themselves as relatively knowledgeable about the safe disposal of household products. However, the survey suggests that this is not the case. Consequently, this self-perception of being knowledgeable represents a potential barrier in terms of increasing people's level of awareness and understanding of related issues. Health Canada might want to instill doubt in Canadians' minds about the extent to which they are informed about product disposal issues to try to ensure that they are receptive to new information (to them) in this area.
Since a high proportion of Canadians currently take part in recycling programs (both pick up and drop off programs), Health Canada should try to build on this, and perhaps position F&DA product disposal as a logical "next step" in terms of meaningful action that can be taken by individuals to protect the environment.
As noted, people often read product labels on these types of products, albeit not for disposal information. Nevertheless, they pay attention to it if it is there. This underscores the importance of regulations that require industry to provide such information on their product labels, ideally in a way that gives this information some prominence. As well, departmental communications that direct Canadians to review disposal information on product labels would likely be well received since many read labeling on a regular basis. This is also an important avenue to consider for information transmission since the survey results indicate that one of the biggest perceived barriers to the adoption of safe disposal practices is inconvenience (and product labels are clearly a convenient method for people to get some of this information).
Adopt regulations to require industry to provide product disposal information to consumers on their product labels and otherwise.
Since people are most likely to read the labels of over-the-counter medications and natural health products, Health Canada may want to link the idea of reading labels of other products with these products.
Encourage people to consider the environmental impact of household products when they buy them. Results in this area are mixed, with significant numbers indicating that they do not do this now. In order to be able to do this, however, people need to know which products are more/less safe for the environment.
Raise awareness of this topic as an issue. As noted, for most Canadians it does not appear to be on the "environmental landscape" at the present time.
Educate Canadians on which products require special disposal, and how they should be disposed of. Otherwise, they will generally put them in the trash.
Make it easy for Canadians to get information in this area. The data suggests that most would be receptive to new information, and would act on it if they knew what to do.
Since more than one-quarter said they would call someone if they were unsure about how to dispose of something, this suggests that it would be effective to include in communications materials a 1-800 help line that provides advice to Canadians on disposal methods.
Maximize the convenience to people of safe disposal methods. This is one of the top barriers to taking action, along with a lack of information. It also appears to be a factor for people with children living in the home, who may well be more pressed for time than others, and would therefore particularly value convenient methods of disposal. Moreover, it is likely that households with children in the home are significant consumers of these types of products (relative to those who do not have children living with them).
Encourage pharmacies to serve as depots for the disposal of prescription and non-prescription medications, and to advertize this to their customers.
There are communications implications in terms of demographic characteristics. As such, communications strategies and the targeting the messages should be developed following a careful review of the multivariate and bivariate analyses.
Provide information through the "sources" that respondents identified, such as government offices, city hall, the Internet, recycling depots, as well as a range of other organizations cited by smaller numbers.
Use the Internet to provide detailed information to Canadians on how to dispose of household products. Many expressed a desire for information to be provided in this way. As well, information via the Internet can be kept up-to-date, and over time, this might become a standard reference source for Canadians.
Review the lists of perceived barriers and facilitators identified by respondents in terms of Canadians taking action in this area, with a view to addressing as many as possible.

Introduction

Health Canada commissioned COMPAS to undertake research with the general public to assess current awareness, attitudes, knowledge and behaviours related to the disposal of products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and their potential environmental impact.

Background and Objectives

Health Canada is working with Environment Canada to develop new regulations to assess the impact on the environment and subsequent affect on human health of substances used in products that are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act (F&DA). These Environmental Impact Initiatives will be drafted using the best available science and best practices identified from the Canadian and international scientific and regulatory community. Once in place, the regulations will require substances in products, such as pharmaceuticals, biologics, food additives, novel foods, personal care products and cosmetics to comply with both environmental assessment requirements and current health and safety criteria. This regulatory initiative will build on and broaden the proposed regulatory framework published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on July 3, 1999, for products of biotechnology.

The research objectives for this survey included:

Determining behavioural patterns, attitudes and beliefs of the general public regarding the disposal of household products.
Establishing benchmarks and providing initial trend-line data on the awareness, attitude and behaviour levels of Canadians related to products that are regulated under the F&DA.
Providing recommendations on the social marketing and public education implications of the research findings.

This research study will serve to determine the educational needs of the general population as they relate to the disposal of products regulated under the F&DA. Health Canada will use the results to explore avenues to raise awareness of and encourage the use of appropriate practices in Canada. The results will also serve as a benchmark and will form the foundation of the evaluation framework for the public education campaign.

Research Design

A total of 1,512 surveys were completed by telephone. Based on a sample of this size, the results can be considered to be accurate within +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20 (most conservative estimate). Interviewing took place March 9-15, 2002.

The following specifications applied to this project:

The survey was conducted with Canadian residents, 18 years of age and older;
Regional oversamples were used in order to allow for regional analyses. The data was then weighted to ensure that the final results were representative of the Canadian population as a whole. The following table presents the survey sample frame, including regional oversamples:

Region	Province	Provincial Distribution	Regional Distribution	Regional Quota Oversample	Provinces in Regional Oversample

Atlantic	Newfoundland	27	117	200	46
Prince Edward Island	7	11
Nova Scotia	46	79
New Brunswick	37	64
Quebec	Quebec	363	363	300	300
Ontario	Ontario	565	565	395	395
Man/Sask	Manitoba	56	107	200	105
Saskatchewan	51	95
Alberta	Alberta	144	144	200	200
BC	British Columbia	199	199	200	200
Territories	YK	2	5	5	2
NWT	2	2
Nunavut	1	1
Total	1,500	1,500	1500	1500

A pre-test was conducted in both official languages (15 in English, 15 in French). Modifications were made to the questionnaire as a result.
Calls were conducted during the evenings and weekends.
Sponsorship of the study was reveled (i.e. Health Canada).

For editorial purposes, the terms "respondents" and "participants" are used interchangeably to denote survey participants. Appended to this report are copies of the questionnaire (English and French), a summary of the results of the multivariate analyses, demographic variations, and a detailed technical note on multivariate analyses (under separate cover).

Background and Context

At the outset, respondents were asked a small set of background questions on health and environmental issues. The purpose was to obtain useful contextual information and, in particular, to have respondents start thinking about related issues.

Healthcare Deficiencies - Most Important Health-Related Issues

Participants were asked in an open-ended fashion to identify the most important health-related issues facing Canadians at this time. In response, most people identified issues related to the quality of our healthcare, and most especially deficiencies in the healthcare system. This included the poor quality of healthcare in general (19%), followed by more specific issues such as lack of funding (14%), lack of doctors (13%), lack of hospitals and hospital beds (12%), and long waiting lists (10%) (two responses accepted).

Also mentioned with some frequency (7-9%) were smoking, cancer, and issues related to the privatization of healthcare and universal access.

Issues identified infrequently include pollution in general, proper diet and lifestyle, heart disease, affordable healthcare, an aging population, lack of nurses, food, mental health, and aids. Included in the 'other' category are abuse of the healthcare system, air quality, water safety, diabetes, terrorism, household waste, chemicals in the environment, industrial pollution, and terrorism.

Pollution, Water & Air Quality - Top Environmental Issues

Asked to identify the most important environmental issue facing Canadians at this time, participants pointed most often to three issues: pollution in general (25%), water quality (25%), and air quality (21%) (two responses accepted). Each of these issues was identified more than twice as often as any others, and suggests that Canadians tend to view environmental issues in general terms.

The only specific issues to receive noteworthy attention were climate change/ global warming (10%), industrial pollution (6%), and chemical pollution (5%). All other issues were identified infrequently. These include waste disposal, vehicle exhaust, depletion of forests and resources in general, food, ozone depletion, and the use of land for farming. Included in the 'other' category are the use of pesticides, protection of wildlife habitats, recycling, overpopulation, acid rain, landfill problems, and the Kyoto agreement.

Three-Quarters Feel Informed About Safe Disposal of Household Products

Just over three-quarters of respondents described themselves as knowledgeable about the safe disposal of household products once they have finished using them. However, people were more likely to describe themselves as moderately (54%) as opposed to very knowledgeable (24%). Conversely, approximately one-quarter said they are not very or not at all knowledgeable about this.

Recycling and Patterns of Disposal

In this section, participants were asked about their own behaviour in terms of the disposal of household products, including participation in recycling activities.

Vast Majority Participate in Recycling Program

Fully 85% of respondents indicated that their household currently participates in a recycling program. Relatively few, 15%, said that they do not. The focus here was on items that are picked up for recycling, not dropped off.

Recycling Programs Often Include Paper, Plastic, Glass & Cans

The vast majority (90%) of those who take part in a recycling program said that their program covers paper products. Significant numbers also participate in programs that recycle plastic (75%), glass (64%), and cans (61%) (multiple responses accepted. Smaller numbers said their recycling program covers cardboard (11%) and tin and metals (9%), although it is likely that some others will have included these things in the broader categories already mentioned (i.e. paper products and cans).

A few people participate in programs that cover compost, chemicals and hazardous waste, paint, and oil. Included in the 'other' category are food waste, construction materials, and tires.

Majority Drop Off Products for Recycling

All participants were asked if there were any products that they drop off at some location in their area for recycling. More than half (59%) said that they do this.

Many Products Dropped Off for Recycling

Asked what they drop off for recycling, participants identified a relatively wide range of products. Many of the products near the top of the list are items that other households have picked up. It is likely that in some locations in Canada, particularly rural areas, there are no pick-up recycling programs only drop off depots.

Products that were identified most often include paint (36%), paper products (35%), glass (30%), cans and plastic (29% each) (multiple responses accepted). Also cited often were batteries (16%) and chemicals or hazardous waste (11%).

Products dropped off infrequently include metal and tin, tires, clothes, appliances, containers (unspecified), and medications or prescriptions. Included in the 'other' category are milk containers, synthetic products, construction material, aerosol containers, cardboard, and non-biodegradable products.

One-Third Dispose of Products in Ways Besides Trash & Recycling

Most participants (68%) said they do not dispose of products in ways other than through the regular garbage or recycling. However, slightly less than one-third (31%) indicated that they do.

These participants were asked to identify what they dispose of in other ways. Heading the list by a substantial margin was paint (22%). This was followed by a number of products, each cited by roughly the same number (9-13%), including motor oil, food scraps, compost, paper products, and batteries (multiple responses accepted).

Mentioned less often (2-7%) were clothes, chemicals (general), building materials, metal and tin, unused or expired over-the-counter medication, food additives, cans, glass, plastic, medical devices, pesticides, appliances, and tires. Included in the 'other' category are natural health products, veterinary products, personal care products, blood products, car parts, and containers (unspecified).

Disposal of Products Over past 12 Months

Participants were read a list of different household products. They were asked to indicate how they disposed of each one in the last 12 months. For products that come in a container, they were asked to focus on the leftover or unused content, not the container. The list included the following products:

Cosmetic products, such as makeup, creams and lotions.
Natural health products, such as nutritional supplements and health remedies.
Household cleaners.
Veterinary medications, such as antibiotics and hormones (asked only to those working with livestock, horses, and farm animals).
Things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits.
Personal care products, such as bath soap and shampoo.
Paint.
Unused or expired non-prescription drugs.
Unused or expired prescription drugs.
Coffee grinds, vegetable trimmings and other kitchen scraps.
Left-over meat.

The following table shows participant behaviour regarding the disposal of these products over the past year. While there is no clear pattern of behaviour, participants are most likely to dispose of products by putting them in the regular garbage. The only exception is paint, which a majority of participants are more likely to recycle. Household cleaners are also recycled by a number of participants, although they are more likely to put them in with the regular garbage.

Way of Disposing of Products Over Past 12 Months
Product	Regular garbage (%)	Recycled (%)	Toilet / Sink (%)	Dumped / Buried (%)	Other (%)
Cosmetics	80	9	2		2
Natural health products	58	8	5	0.4	4
Household cleaners	47	30	10	1	14
Veterinary medications*	39		5	2	23
Things like contact lenses, thermometers, pregnancy kits	65	4	6		5
Personal care products	57	21	13		11
Paint	15	62	14	4	14
Unused / expired non-prescription drugs	50	2	19	1	26
Unused / expired prescription drugs	39	2	20	1	37
Coffee grinds and kitchen scraps	63	4	4	7	33
Left-over meat	76	1	2	1	25

*N= 39; asked only to those working with livestock, horses, or farm animals.

Multiple responses accepted

DK / NR= 1-33%

COMPAS for Health Canada; March 2002

Items that are disposed of in 'other ways' with some frequency include:

Natural health products (24% dispose of this in ways besides the regular trash or recycling).
Household cleaners (25%).
Veterinary medications (29%).
Personal care products (24%).
Unused or expired non-prescription drugs (46%).
Unused or expired prescription drugs (58%).
Coffee grinds, etc. (44%).
Left-over meat (28%).

Consumer Shopping Behaviour

In this section, participants were asked about some of their shopping habits.

Majority Regularly Read Labels on Most Products Before Purchasing

Respondents were read a list of consumer products and asked to indicate how often they read the label on the product before purchasing it. The list included seven products:

Cosmetic products, such as makeup, creams and lotions.
Natural health products, such as nutritional supplements and health remedies.
Veterinary medications, such as antibiotics and hormones (asked only to those working with livestock, horses, and farm animals).
Things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits
Personal care products, such as bath soap and shampoo.
Household cleaners.
Over-the-counter medications.

A majority of participants indicated that they regularly (i.e. often or always) read the labels on all but one of these products before purchasing them. Moreover, they were more likely to say they did so 'always' rather than 'often'. Beyond that, there was considerable variation in consumer behaviour.

Participants were most likely to read the labels on over-the-counter medications (81%) and natural health products (79%). Between 60-64% said they always read the labels on these products before purchasing them. Approximately two-thirds (62%) regularly read the labels on veterinary medications (over half said always).

Slightly more than half (52-55%) regularly read the labels on things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits, cosmetic products, and household cleaners before purchasing them, although significant numbers (27-32%) said they rarely or never do this.

Clients were least likely to read the label on personal care products before purchasing them, although they were more likely to do this (44%) than not (38%).

Participants tend to be definite about their behaviour, usually indicating that they often/always or rarely/never read labels as opposed to saying they occasionally do so.

Ingredients, Dangers & Instructions - Main Info Sought on Labels

Participants who said they read labels at least occasionally for each of these products were asked what type of information they are looking for. The most common answer, by far, was the ingredients, identified by 73%. As well, two other types of information were cited by significant numbers: the negative effects or dangers (44%) and instructions for use (34%) (multiple responses accepted).

All other types of information tended to sought infrequently, including information about the impact on the environment, possible testing conducted on animals, information about the manufacturer, the purpose of the product, expiry date, price, effectiveness, where the product is made, and how to dispose of it after use. A few said that the information they seek depends on the product.

As the accompanying graph shows, few participants who read labels indicated in an unprompted way that they look for information on how to dispose of the product. However, when asked directly if they also look for disposal information, over half (57%) said that they do.

Knowledge and Awareness of Product Disposal

In this section, the focus was on participants' levels of knowledge and awareness regarding the safe disposal of household products.

Mixed Level of Knowledge About Disposal of Household Products

Participants were asked if they are ever unsure about how to dispose of certain kinds of household products so that they do not harm the environment. Note that the potential impact on the environment is specifically stated. Slightly more than half (54%) said that they are at least occasionally uncertain about this (18% said often). A significant minority said they are rarely (29%) or never (16%) uncertain.

Put in Regular Garbage - Main Response to Disposal Uncertainty

When participants are uncertain about how to dispose of a product after using it, they tend to do one of two things. Almost half (48%) put it in the regular garbage, while just over one-quarter (28%) said they call someone for information on what to do (multiple responses accepted).

Other responses were identified infrequently, including storing the product until they know what to do with it, taking it to the recycling depot, putting it in with the recycling, looking for information on the Internet, checking the product label, pouring it down the drain or toilet, or taking it to a landfill site. Included in the 'other' category are burying it, dumping it into a stream, taking it back to where it was purchased and asking for information, burning it, taking it to a hazardous waste facility, and trying to use their judgment on what would be best to do.

Perceptions of Which Products Require Special Disposal

Participants were read a list of products and asked whether or not these things pose a threat to the environment and therefore require special disposal. For each product, they were asked whether they think it definitely requires special disposal, probably requires it, probably does not require it, or definitely does not require special disposal.

The list of products was:

Genetically modified foods.
Unused or expired non-prescription drugs and other medication.
Unused or expired prescription drugs and other medication.
Cosmetic products, such as makeup, cream and lotions.
Products with food additives, such as food colouring and preservatives.
Natural health products, such as nutritional supplements and health remedies.
Veterinary medications, such as antibiotics and hormones (asked only to those working with livestock, horses, and farm animals).
Things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits.
Personal care products, such as bath soap and shampoo.
Household cleaners.
Paint.
Coffee grinds, vegetable trimmings and other kitchen scraps.
Left-over meat.

A majority of participants were at least relatively certain that seven of these products require special disposal. However, the level and degree of certainty varied. There was near unanimity about paint. Nearly all (97%) were at least relatively certain that it requires special disposal (87% said definitely). Strong majorities were also at least relatively certain that special disposal is required for veterinary medications (94%), unused or expired prescription drugs and household cleaners (90% each), and unused or expired non-prescription drugs (81%). Over half felt that each of these products definitely requires special disposal. Nearly three-quarters (71%) think that things like contact lenses, thermometers, or pregnancy test kits require special disposal.

Both the level and degree of certainty dropped significantly in terms of the environmental threat posed by all of the other products. Just over half (52%) felt that cosmetic products require special disposal, but people were more likely to say that this is probably, not definitely the case. Participants were less certain about the environmental threat posed by natural health products and genetically modified foods. They were almost equally divided over whether these products do or do not require special disposal.

Most participants were of the opinion that the remaining products do not pose a threat to the environment. Over half (51-59%) thought that personal care products, products with food additives, and left-over meat do not require special disposal, although significant numbers (35-45%) disagreed. The only product a significant majority of participants were certain is not a threat to the environment was coffee grinds and kitchen scraps. Nearly three-quarters (71%) offered their belief that this does not require special disposal.

This section explored respondents' attitudes with respect to recycling, safe disposal of products and related issues.

Most Participants Express Positive Attitudes on Related Issues

Participants were read a series of statements and asked to express their level of agreement with each one (using a 7-point scale: 7 = strongly agree; 1 = strongly disagree). There were seven statements:

I always consider the impact of a product on the environment when deciding whether or not to buy it.
Dropping off household products to recycling depots or facilities takes too much time and effort.
I am very interested in learning all I can about how to safely dispose of household products so that they don't harm the environment.
Taking my unused or expired medication to the pharmacy for disposal would be inconvenient.
I think I get enough information about the safe disposal of household products.
Consumer products such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products that are available for sale in Canada are generally safe for the environment.
If I knew what was required to safely dispose of household products once I've finished using them, I would make sure I do this all the time even if it's inconvenient.

There was widespread agreement with two of the statements:

That they were very interested in learning all they could about how to safely dispose of household products so that they don't harm the environment.
That if they knew what was required to safely dispose of household products once they finished using them, they would make sure they did this all the time even if inconvenient.

Not only did 82% express agreement with each, 66-70% strongly agreed with these statements.

There was less agreement among participants when it came to their own consumer behaviour. Half agreed that they always consider the impact of a product on the environment when deciding whether or not to buy it, while 30% disagreed.

Participants were most divided over statements dealing with their knowledge of consumer products and the environment. This included whether or not they get enough information about the safe disposal of household products (43% agreed, 41% disagreed), and whether consumer products available for sale in Canada are generally safe for the environment (35% agreed, 42% disagreed).

A majority of participants disagreed with the remaining statements. Between half and two-thirds disagreed that dropping off household products to recycling facilities takes too much time and effort (59%), and that taking unused or expired medication to the pharmacy for disposal would be inconvenient (63%). Over half strongly disagreed with both these statements.

In conclusion, participants tended to express positive attitudes in most of these areas. Most are interested in more information on safe disposal, say they would take appropriate action if they knew what to do, and do not think dropping off left-over products takes too much time or effort or is inconvenient. When the focus is on current behaviour, the situation is somewhat less positive: many say they do not always consider the impact on the environment when they buy a product.

Education and Awareness

The final part of the questionnaire, not including demographic questions, explored a number of information and communications issues.

Government - Main Source of Information About Recycling

The largest proportion of participants would go to government departments or city hall if they wanted information about recycling and the safe disposal of household waste. Approximately one-third (32%) said this is where they would go, followed by the Internet or on-line sources (17%), a recycling depot (14%), or disposal authorities (9%) (multiple responses accepted). An additional six percent combined two of these sources, identifying a municipal services website.

Other sources were mentioned infrequently and included print advertising, the phone book (including government blue pages), the manufacturer of the specific product, a pharmacy or the store where the product was purchased, articles in newspapers, friends and relatives, environmental groups, and libraries or books. Included in the 'other' category are radio and TV ads, television programs, neighbours, the blue box information line, and the fire department.

Divided Opinion About Which Govt. Level Should Provide Information

Participants were somewhat divided over which level of government should provide information to Canadians about the safe disposal of household waste. Equal numbers (27% each) identified the federal and municipal governments, while one in five identified provincial governments. Almost one-quarter (23%) said that all levels should be involved in this.

Near Consensus That Regulations to Inform Consumers About Safe Disposal Are Important

Participants were asked how important it is for the Government of Canada to develop regulations for the industry to inform consumers about the safe disposal of products like prescription drugs, cosmetics, and personal care products to protect the environment. Using a 7-point scale (1 = not important at all; 7 = very important), nearly everyone (93%) said this is important, with 82% saying very important (scores of 6-7 combined).

Information, Publicity - Main Factors to Encourage Action

Participants identified a variety of ways to encourage Canadians to take action to safely dispose of household products. However, two factors dominated: nearly half (42%) identified education or information about which products require special disposal, followed by one-third (32%) who advocated raising awareness through publicity (multiple responses accepted).

Significant numbers also identified ensuring easy access or convenience when it comes to disposal (10%), providing incentives (8%), and highlighting the effects or impact of unsafe disposal (7%).

Identified less often were laws and regulations, penalties, more/better recycling centres, better or more labelling, knowing the location of recycling facilities, and making a more conscientious effort. Included in the 'other' category are adopting special disposal days, having better instructions on products, and having specific bins for different items. A few said that nothing would encourage this. Sixteen percent did not identify any potential facilitators.

Lack of Information, Inconvenience - Main Obstacles to Safe Disposal

While participants identified a number of obstacles that might make it difficult for Canadians to take action to safely dispose of household products, two factors once again head the list: a lack of information or education (27%) and inconvenience (25%) (multiple responses accepted).

Also cited with some frequency were the location or accessibility of recycling depots (10%), a lack of concern or laziness (10%), the number and quality of disposal facilities (9%), cost (8%), and a lack of information provided by the manufacturer (7%).

Small numbers identified lack of time, a disability or handicap, poor recycling programs, a lack of laws or regulations, and lack of transportation. A few said that there were no barriers or obstacles. Included in the 'other' category are lack of funding, lack of resources, age (i.e. being elderly), forgetfulness, and inability to ensure that everyone in the household takes part. Sixteen percent did not identify any potential obstacles.

80% Do Not Recall Hearing About F&DA Environmental Impact Initiative

Fully 80% do not recall hearing, reading or seeing anything about new F&DA Environmental Impact Initiatives during the past 12 months. Conversely, 19% recall hearing something about this.

These results came in response to the following question:

Scientific reports from Canada and internationally have stated that certain substances contained in health and personal care products can be detected at very low levels in the environment. As a result, Health Canada has undertaken the development of new Environmental Assessment Regulations for products regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Thinking back over the last 12 months, can you recall reading, hearing or seeing anything at all about this?

In public opinion studies, it is widely accepted that respondents often inflate their levels of awareness or knowledge of something. We would suggest that this is quite likely the case with the current subject.

Limited Recall of F&DA Environmental Impact Initiative

Participants who said they recalled something about the new F&DA Environmental Impact Initiative were asked what it is that they remember. People identified a number of recollections, but none with any frequency. These included references to the contamination of water, the proper disposal of waste, genetically modified foods, finding traces of chemicals in various places, simply noting that this is a current event, government policy (unspecified), recycling, and air quality in general.

One-third acknowledged recalling nothing (28% did not respond, while 4% recalled nothing in particular).

Profile of Participants

The following graphs present the demographic characteristics of survey participants.