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An Evaluation of Interventions for Improving Pro-Environmental Waste Behaviour in Social Housing

Author

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  • Ryan Woodard

    (School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Anthea Rossouw

    (Anthea Rossouw & Associates UK (ARA-UK), Peacehaven BN10 8RS, UK)

Abstract

Recycling levels have been stagnating for a decade in England. Over the last 2 years, 39% of local authorities have seen a reduction in their recycling rates. Social housing has historically been neglected in waste service provision and literature. Housing associations own 2.5 million dwellings, representing 10% of all housing stock in England. Improvements to waste services and increased resident engagement in social housing could address stalling recycling levels and contribute to the aim of the national waste strategy of moving towards a circular economy. This paper presents the results of engagement with housing association residents across 24 sites in England. Following community engagement workshops, a range of resident-led interventions were implemented, including improvements to recycling services and installation of onsite food waste composters. An inclusive resident engagement programme bespoke to each site was pioneered, including regular feedback on waste reduction and recycling performance. The impact of the project was evaluated using mixed methods, including monitoring of recycling levels and resident and stakeholder surveys. The interventions stimulated behaviour changes, leading to increased recycling rates (+10.4% per site compared to baseline), waste reduction (0.4 kg per flat per week compared to baseline), increased recycling quality, and social cohesion. The research outcomes provide a model for improving waste management in social housing globally.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan Woodard & Anthea Rossouw, 2021. "An Evaluation of Interventions for Improving Pro-Environmental Waste Behaviour in Social Housing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:13:p:7272-:d:584661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alessandra DiGiacomo & David W.-L. Wu & Peter Lenkic & Bud Fraser & Jiaying Zhao & Alan Kingstone, 2018. "Convenience improves composting and recycling rates in high-density residential buildings," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(2), pages 309-331, January.
    2. Amy W. Ando & Anne Y. Gosselin, 2005. "Recycling in Multifamily Dwellings: Does Convenience Matter?," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 43(2), pages 426-438, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Phemelo Tamasiga & Taghi Miri & Helen Onyeaka & Abarasi Hart, 2022. "Food Waste and Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-30, August.

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