An Analysis of the Contribution of Waste Minimisation Clubs to Sustainable Waste Management in the UK using Economic Theory of the Firm

摘要

For some years, waste minimisation clubs have been important sources of information for industry in the UK on sustainable waste management practices. Despite this contribution, concern has grown more recently about the declining number of clubs in existence and the likelihood that they can continue to play such a role. This paper examines the evidence available and provides the first estimates of how the number of clubs has altered fallen in England over the last twelve years. The results presented indicate that, after initial expansion, numbers are now in decline. The paper then explores, using economic theory of the business, why this pattern should have developed and suggests it to be a function of how clubs were set up and managed in the past. These clubs can, however, still be an important element in the UK's waste management policy. The results of the analysis are, therefore, used to propose alterations in how clubs are run so that they can continue to contribute effectively to the development of sustainable waste management in UK industry.