Increasing high recycling rates

Abstract: In Sweden, household waste is separated at the source, making the success of the recycling system largely depending on the active participation of households. In a well-established recycling system with functioning recycling infrastructure and information, the conditions for ‘recyclers’ and ‘non-recyclers’ are akin, indicating the external conditions, recycling infrastructure and information, not to be the solely determinants for households’ participation in recycling activities. The research aims thus to examine the relevance of the characteristics approximated by socio-demographic parameters and hence, gathers research on implications of socio-demographics on recycling behaviour. The findings are validated on their practical applicability with the help of practitioners and researchers in the context of waste management in Sweden. The research conducted, indicates that the engagement with external factors is mainly affected by the parameters income and age, whereas the formulation of attitude is influenced by a wider range of socio-demographics such as level of education, age, financial stability, political allegiance, type of dwelling, unemployment, gender but also cultural aspects. The development of habits showed the least correlation to socio- demographic parameters. These insights allow drawing the following conclusions: Income could be related to the type of dwelling and with that which collection mode is used, giving indications on the transparency of households’ activities; Cultural aspects can influence recycling behaviour but it was recognised a need to distinguish between characteristics of different cultures to determine the relevance of this factor; Age influences physical capabilities but can also provide hints on which media is used to acquire information; Children in particular were seen to have potential as future recyclers, calling for an adjustment of the recycling infrastructure in order to meet higher safety demands.