Citizen information levels and grassroots opposition to new hazardous waste sites: are nimbyists informed?

Abstract Some industry representatives, government officials and policy analysts have argued that the Not-in-My-Backyard (NIMBY) phenomenon is a result of an ill-informed public. They insist that opposition to new sites and technologies stems from ignorance of the facts—namely, that the new and stricter federal regulations imposed on waste disposal adequately protect public health and safety. Indeed, some have called for government-sponsored education programs regarding hazardous waste treatment. But environmentalists respond by claiming that knowledge and awareness increase citizen activism and resistance to facility siting. They argue that lack of knowledge or education is not the problem, and point to other sources such as the failure of regulatory agencies, loopholes in the law, or detection avoidance practices by waste companies. This study was conducted to assess the relative influence of knowledge on citizens' attitudes and behavior regarding the siting of hazardous wastes. The results reveal a moderately strong relation between site-relevant knowledge and NIMBYism. Implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions for further research are made.