Recycling in a densely populated urban environment

Recycling in the urban environment is difficult; UK authorities failing to meet their recycling targets are predominantly cities. Medium and high density housing causes problems for collections that rely on householder segregation of waste. In Portsmouth, a south-coast English city and one of the most densely populated in Europe, only 40% of properties have space to store both a refuse and a recycling bin. Yet here, participation in recycling is the norm: a 2007 survey showed that 77% regularly used the kerbside collection scheme. For most, this behaviour is sustained, although other behaviours are found at the fringe, with the more densely populated areas being “hot spots” of change. This is likely due to the difficulties encountered providing and using recycling services as well as a highly transient and socially disadvantaged population. Despite this, evidence suggests that providing information is enough for some, regardless of where they live, but others need direct engagement to turn onto recycling. Similarly, self-efficacy will help some overcome problems to recycle but others, faced with similar issues, will not