MATERIAL CAPTURE FROM A KERBSIDE RECYCLING SCHEME AND THE EFFECTS OF SOCIO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ON HOUSEHOLD WASTE ARISINGS

摘要

Waste is never consistent. Different areas use different materials, which give rise to waste streams that can vary widely in composition. With the increasing pressure on landfill operators and local governments over the amount and type of waste going to landfill, moves have to be taken to reduce, divert and recover materials. To do this effectively it is necessary to identify the composition of the waste stream. This paper contains the results of two separate household waste analyses conducted in a typical unitary authority of South Wales, a traditional industrial community. A full household waste analysis was conducted to determine whether there was a connection between an areas socio-economic standing and the quantities of waste produced. A selection of three different household categories were chosen, as described by the UK's ACORN geodemographical system. The three areas chosen were, terraced, council and semi detached properties and were selected, as they were the most dominant and easily recognised types of dwellings found in the study area. The results of the full waste analysis have been compared against a number of previous household waste characterisation studies. A recyclable waste analysis was also conducted to determine the quantities and quality of recyclable materials put out for collection by residents taking part in a kerbside collection scheme. Different methods of storing the recyclable materials at the household were also monitored. It was found that areas of greater economic wealth purchase larger quantities of foodstuffs and hence disposes of larger quantities of waste. It was also found that the type of receptacle used to store recyclables can influence the actual quantities put out for collection. A clear bag was found to be the most effective method of storing recyclables.