Public Attitudes towards Household Waste Recycling and Incineration in the UK

This paper examines two key aspects of public attitudes to waste management in the UK. Firstly, the attitudes and subsequent behaviour associated with participation in kerbside recycling collection services, and mechanisms for behaviour change. Secondly, differing public attitudes towards existing and proposed energy from waste (EfW) facilities. A door to door survey conducted in the local government district of Wychavon, Worcestershire aimed to ascertain barriers to domestic recycling, and ways in which attitudes could be changed in order to increase recycling participation. Two main instruments for behaviour change were identified and discussed: financial incentives and penalties and improved information and publicity about the services available. Short surveys were also conducted in Nottingham which hosts the existing Eastcroft Energy from Waste Facility and in Harlow, Essex, a population centre within the catchment area of the proposed Rivenhall Recycling and Composting Facility that includes a municipal solid waste incineration plant to establish public opinions and knowledge on the EfW technology. Comparisons were made concerning differing opinions of local residents to the EfW facilities situated/to be situated in their areas. Results have been evaluated alongside a detailed literature review on the most prominent issues surrounding EfW: opposition, emission levels, and legislation. Shortfalls in public knowledge were identified and linked to local associations with the industry.