The impact of alternate weekly collections on waste arisings

Abstract

Residual waste is commonly collected separately from recyclable and organic materials. Different forms of collection and disposal are used internationally since regional or municipal authorities have to adapt to their own circumstances. Many authorities have adopted an alternate weekly collection (AWC) of residual waste and recyclables to force/encourage householders to recycle; however, the degree to which they achieve waste reduction has yet to be reliably quantified. This study reports on how the introduction of AWCs affects household waste arisings. The paper evaluates single and dual stream collection methods and compares their performance with the previous system. Household waste collection trials were conducted between March and June 2009 in England (Lichfield). The trials examined changes to frequency of collection, type of container issued, amounts of sorting required of residents, household participation and productivity levels. A survey of households was completed before any changes were implemented. The quantity of recyclates collected was examined for 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. The study showed that the AWC scheme positively impacted on recycling rates and household behaviour, with no adverse impacts on public participation, household waste arisings or the local environment. No public health problems were reported. Both trials saw an increase in the quantities of recyclates collected per household during the trial period compared to the same period of time in the previous year. The dual stream performed better than the single stream, collecting an average of 5.94 kg/hh/week compared to an average of 5.63 kg/hh/week. The single stream system showed a greater increase in the weight of material collected (0.53 kg/hh/week vs. 0.48 kg/hh/week). Participation and set-out rates showed an increase during the trial period. The single stream option (comingled materials in one container) outperformed the dual stream service. The reduction in costs and improved productivity were the principal reasons used for extending the trial and making changes to the district's waste collections. The study clearly demonstrates the benefits of local authorities and universities collaborating and identifies practical logistical and operational issues that need to be anticipated.

Reverse logistics in household recycling and waste systems: a symbiosis perspective

“…14 Previous studies have pointed to cause and effect relations between improved recycling schemes and improved recycling rates (Williams and Cole, 2013;Woodard et al 2005). …”

Autonomous Motivation for the Successful Implementation of Waste Management Policy: An Examination Using an Adapted Institutional Analysis and Development Framework in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam

“…This research gathered data on the CCP, as exemplified by the locality in which the project succeeded (i.e., Huong Xuan) and another in which it failed (i.e., Quang Tho).In academic studies, scholars have dedicated attention to how waste separation behaviors can be improved. The factors that influence these behaviors have accordingly been determined in numerous studies on the basis of different directions, such as management factors like collection frequency that positively influences recycling rates and behaviors [15], as well as the necessity for drop-off centers to increase separation rates, as confirmed by Saphores et al [16]. Socioeconomic factors, such as gender [17], education [18], and income [19], likewise bear on waste separation behavior.…”

Sustainable Resource Management by Students at Higher Education Institutions

“…But students may justify their actions by claiming that waste disposal options are limited. Bin size restrictions can cause issues for houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs) with only one wheeled bin serving up to seven or so residents, a particular issue during periods of high waste generation such as during the move-out period (Williams and Cole, 2013;Gosling, 2016). Access to civic amenity (CA) sites may also be limited for many students due to the restricted transport options of a typical student, meaning that they may find it impractical to dispose of their waste elsewhere, especially if they have large quantities that cannot be carried on public transport (Williams and Taylor, 2004).…”