The effect of public understanding on kerbside recycling scheme performance

Kerbside recycling performance depends on a combination of factors including scheme design, operation, householder participation and the quality of that participation. The level of public understanding of what kerbside recycling schemes expect from them can have a significant effect on the quality of participation and on overall scheme performance. This is because even when participation rates are high, scheme performance can be reduced by poor separation efficiency of targeted materials and the putting out of non-targeted materials for collection. This paper examines research conducted in two regional recycling initiatives within the UK which demonstrate the need for measurement of public understanding and awareness to be taken into account along side other aspects of scheme performance. Only when attitudinal data are fully integrated with observational measures of participation and scheme yield can scheme improvements and promotional activity be effectively planned