Key factors in household recycling behaviour in an expanding kerbside recycling scheme

Local authorities in the UK are introducing or expanding voluntary kerbside collection schemes for recyclable material. This is an attempt to divert as much of the household waste recyclable element as possible, to meet UK statutory recycling targets. This paper looks at the key factors surrounding household recycling behaviour in a new kerbside collection scheme located in a typical South Wales valley community. An investigation of behaviour and attitude towards 'recycling' was conducted. A door to door household survey questioned householders about to be included in the new scheme, it examined current recycling behaviour and practices, assessed the importance of recycling and investigated the anticipated participation. The behaviour of householders in the new weekly collection scheme was then monitored for a two-month period, examining individual household participation and frequency along with the average weight of recyclables captured per household. A waste classification dividing the recyclables into 21 categories was also conducted, comparing the results against a full waste classification trial conducted in the region in 2000. The household survey results showed that 68% of households prior to the new scheme, did no recycling whatsoever. Subsequent monitoring of householder activity showed that of the 95% of households that said they would participate in the kerbside scheme, only 27% actually did participate on a weekly basis. The comparison of waste classifications showed the potential for participating households to increase total recyclable material capture by nearly half. Capture of certain material requested by the Council like metal packaging (beverage and food cans) and kitchen waste (vegetable and fruit) was shown to be particularly low. Residents were hypothetically offered a number of different incentives/stimuli and asked to decide which ones would encourage or help them to recycle more of their household waste. Information on what material can actually be recycled and regular feedback of an area's recycling performance proved the two most popular choices, reinforcing that kerbside scheme needs to be supported with corresponding communication and awareness campaigns to achieve the desired participation and material capture rates.