Central Questions:
1.Can direct communication to property owners regarding garbage management responsibilities affect levels of compliance?

2. Will an integrated* garbage management campaign that informs tenants and landlords of their rights and responsibilities affect their garbage management?
*Integrated = an education campaign that addresses recycling, garbage, and rats as related issues.

Why Smith Hill?

Smith Hill is a mid-sized neighborhood located in the center of Providence, slightly north-west of downtown. (Providence neighborhood map. Smith Hill is highlighted in orange). I chose to conduct my study in Smith Hill based on its location and demographics. The entire neighborhood is contained within a single garbage pickup route, making the collection of garbage and recycling data easier. See Methodology for how I carried out the study.

The demographic make-up of Smith Hill is comparable to the other urban core neighborhoods in the city, especially those located in South Providence.
This chart contains selected race, population, housing and income data, taken from the 2000 census.

* Percentages taken from the Providence Plan Neighborhood Profile. For further demographic and resource information on Smith Hill or any other Providence neighborhood, go to http://www.provplan.org/nprof/index.html
** Income data is from 1990. Census 2000 income data is forthcoming.