Program on the Environment

Single-use plastic waste, particularly from bottled water, remains a persistent environmental issue despite the availability of more sustainable alternatives. University campuses are key sites for intervention, yet the presence of refill stations alone does not guarantee their intended sustainability impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate how infrastructure and user perceptions influence the use of water bottle refill stations at the University of Washington (UW). Through an internship with UW Sustainability, I conducted a mixed-methods project combining infrastructure mapping and user perception data. Because UW lacked a comprehensive database of refill stations, I used ArcGIS Field Maps and building coordinator outreach to verify and document refill station locations across campus. Additionally, I designed and distributed a survey (n = 75) to assess usage patterns, motivations, and perceived barriers, and analyzed responses using descriptive statistics and thematic coding. Results reveal a gap between pro-environmental beliefs and actual behavior. While most respondents carry reusable bottles daily, fewer refill them as frequently. Key barriers include difficulty locating stations, limited availability in certain buildings, and concerns about maintenance, cleanliness, and water quality, despite generally positive perceptions. These findings suggest that refill stations are most effective when paired with clear signage, reliable maintenance, and transparent communication about water quality. Improving accessibility and trust could significantly increase usage and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Overall, this work emphasizes the importance of aligning sustainability infrastructure with human behavior to achieve meaningful environmental impact.