An investigation into the kerbside recycling behaviour of two Welsh case study authorities

This paper investigates the number of observed households setting out their containers for kerbside recyclable collection in two Welsh kerbside recycling programmes; namely, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council. Analysed data from the monitoring of approximately 114 000 households in the two separate kerbside programmes are presented, making this the largest study of kerbside recycling behaviour in the UK. The average household set-out rates of individual households per electoral division and per street in each programme were compared. Average household set-out rate for a particular electoral division and street was then related to certain socio-economic indicators. The study was performed using the 'ArcView' geographical information systems (GIS) package. The model identified a moderate link between household set-out rate (%) and socio-economic status at electoral division level. However, there was no correlation between socio-economic status and average household set-out rate in a street. Household set-out rates for both programmes fluctuated significantly in streets with similar socio-economic status. Another significant factor affecting set-out rate, herein named the 'Nant-y-Gwyddon effect', is also described.