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Quantitative analysis of recyclable materials composition: Tools to support decision making in kerbside recycling

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  • Shaw, Peter J.
  • Lyas, Joanne K.
  • Hudson, Malcolm D.

Abstract

For UK statutory recycling targets to be met, kerbside collection schemes must strive towards optimal performance levels at which the quantities and composition of materials recovered closely matche potentially recoverable materials in the household waste stream. Multivariate analysis of recyclable materials data for regions in the UK showed that there exist substantial differences between the composition of recovered and recoverable materials per household, per week. The similarity between recovered and recoverable materials was not closely related to the range of materials collected at the kerbside. The provision of kerbside recycling facilities for two or more materials, as required by the Household Waste Recycling Act [Household Waste Recycling Act. Office of Public Sector Information, London, UK; 2003, http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030029.htm (accessed 19 May 2004)], does not appear to lead necessarily to high levels of recycling. Modes of behaviour revealed by statistical analysis showed that frequently recycling households were characterised by elements of episodicity and persistence; enhancement of cans and plastics recovery should be a key aim for the promotion of kerbside recycling amongst such households. We conclude that if multi-material kerbside recycling of household waste is to perform well, modification of kerbside schemes to broaden the range of targeted materials must be accompanied by promotional and educational campaigns, focused, as a short term priority, on medium and high recyclers and with emphasis on recognition of cans and plastics.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaw, Peter J. & Lyas, Joanne K. & Hudson, Malcolm D., 2006. "Quantitative analysis of recyclable materials composition: Tools to support decision making in kerbside recycling," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 48(3), pages 263-279.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:48:y:2006:i:3:p:263-279
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2005.12.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Annegrete Bruvoll & Karine Nyborg, 2002. "On the value of households' recycling efforts," Discussion Papers 316, Statistics Norway, Research Department.
    2. Peter Tucker & David Speirs, 2003. "Attitudes and Behavioural Change in Household Waste Management Behaviours," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(2), pages 289-307.
    3. Lyas, Joanne K. & Shaw, Peter J. & van Vugt, Mark, 2005. "Kerbside recycling in the London Borough of Havering: progress and priorities," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 45(1), pages 1-17.
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    Cited by:

    1. Waite, Steve & Cox, Paul & Tudor, Terry, 2015. "Strategies for local authorities to achieve the EU 2020 50% recycling, reuse and composting target: A case study of England," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 105(PA), pages 18-28.
    2. Shaw, Peter J., 2008. "Nearest neighbour effects in kerbside household waste recycling," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 52(5), pages 775-784.
    3. Pacheco, Elen B.A.V. & Ronchetti, Luiza M. & Masanet, Eric, 2012. "An overview of plastic recycling in Rio de Janeiro," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 140-146.

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