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High-rise and multi-occupancy dwellings key to local authorities meeting recycling targets
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"08/02/2010
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Local authorities could significantly increase their recycling levels to help them achieve European Union targets by putting more focus on high-rise and multi-occupancy dwellings, according to new research.
The study, ‘Taking Recycling to a New Level’ was carried out by Professor James Baird at the Caledonian Environment Centre, part of Glasgow Caledonian University, to throw new light on the potential of increasing recycling yields in high and low rise flats to meet UK and European recycling targets.
The survey gained feedback from residents in 1,000 flats in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, following the introduction of a new communal recycling system and glass waste collection facilities.
The study reveals that the visual impact, positioning of recycling facilities and good communications with residents can have a significant impact on recycling levels in high and low rise flats.
It was found that the scheme at North Lanarkshire had taken recycling in the flats from 0 to 2kg per flat per week, a figure which outperforms the levels achieved by kerbside collections in many other local authority areas. Moreover 96% of residents using the new communal recycling centres were happy with the new facilities and 94% thought they were easy to use.
Location of recycling facilities was seen to be key to increased participation. Ninety three per cent of the residents who had previously recycled do so more now due to the close proximity of the facilities.
The levels are deemed even more impressive since they have been achieved from a ‘standing start’: the residents previously had no access to recycling facilities other than those at civic amenity sites or other bring sites. Furthermore, as residents involved in the survey still have access to rubbish chutes, the take up of the new communal recycling facilities indicates that they are recycling because they want to, not because they have to.
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