Targeted intervention strategies to optimise diversion of BMW in the Dublin, Ireland region

Abstract

Urgent transformation is required in Ireland to divert biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) from landfill and prevent increases in overall waste generation. When BMW is optimally managed, it becomes a resource with value instead of an unwanted by-product requiring disposal. An analysis of survey responses from commercial and residential sectors for the Dublin region in previous research by the authors proved that attitudes towards and behaviour regarding municipal solid waste is spatially variable. This finding indicates that targeted intervention strategies designed for specific geographic areas should lead to improved diversion rates of BMW from landfill, a requirement of the Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC. In the research described in this paper, survey responses and GIS model predictions from previous research were the basis for goal setting, after which logic modelling and behavioural research were employed to develop site-specific Greening Irish pubs Initiative. Each of these strategies was devised after interviews with both the residential and commercial sectors to help make optimal waste management the norm for both sectors. Strategy (b), (e) and (f) are detailed in this paper. By integrating a human element into accepted waste management approaches, these strategies will make optimal waste behaviour easier to achieve. Ultimately this will help divert waste from landfill and improve waste management practice as a whole for the region. This method of devising targeted intervention strategies can be adapted for many other regions.Key words: waste attitudinal surveys, Dublin; Ireland; biodegradable municipal waste; targeted intervention strategies. IntroductionThis research developed appropriate waste intervention strategies for particular areas in the Dublin region with the aim to enhance and promote diversion activities and general 'optimal' waste behaviour practices targeted to particular areas. This strategy can be adapted for use in other areas.This research integrates findings from previous research by the authors (Purcell and Magette, 2009;Purcell and Magette, 2010) in which the residential and commercial sectors were investigated relative to waste generation, waste management behaviour, attitudes and future concerns in the Dublin region. The novel / innovative aspect of this research lies in the premise that socio-economic factors must be integrated into both the strategic design (one or more years planning horizon) and tactical (day-to-day) management of solid waste. With a focus on biodegradable municipal waste (BMW), the first hypothesis proved by this research postulated that BMW generation is spatially variable within a diverse 'landscape' of residential areas and commercial establishments (Purcell and Magette, 2009). Research also proved (Purcell and Magette, 2010) that attitudes about the management of BMW are spatially variable. Therefore, this research reasons that management of BMW can be better accomplished by targeting site-specific intervention strategies rather than by using the ...

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