Key Findings

The introduction of a household kerbside recycling scheme dramatically increased recycling behaviour. Overall, 81% of householders claimed they recycled frequently (i.e. every 1-2 weeks). The amount of waste that respondents recycle is somewhat poorer, with 59% claiming that they recycle all of their waste and 30% recycling only some waste.
The study found there were three main reasons behind householders recycling their waste; concern for the environment, the ease with which residents could recycle their waste and the presence of a kerbside recycling scheme.
Recycling as a concept is supported by the vast majority of respondents. The notion that individuals do not take responsibility for their waste - as claimed in the past and usually referred to as the 'out of sight, out of mind' philosophy - was not confirmed by the research.
Some waste minimisation behaviour is taking place although not to the extent of recycling. One reason for this is that householders believe they are powerless to reduce many waste streams. The amount of packaging on products was the most frequent complaint. However certain items, such as plastic bags and junk mail, respondents felt they were able to minimise without major difficulty.
The act of recycling has influenced other sustainable waste related behaviours. For example, respondents who claimed they recycled frequently were more likely to minimise their waste than those who infrequently or never recycled. It appears that recycling has lead to new, albeit connected, sustainable behaviours, which have taken place without media or LA involvement encouraging households to minimise the amount of waste they generate.