Integrated effects of a reduction in collection frequency for a kerbside newspaper recycling scheme

In December 1998, the Borough of Fylde, UK, reduced the frequency of collec tion of their kerbside newspaper recycling scheme from once every 2 weeks t o once every 4 weeks. The scheme incurred a drop of 8% in the overall tonna ge collected, though over three quarters of this was recovered elsewhere th rough increased activity at the borough's paper bank sites. The overall dro p-out rate from paper recycling was estimated to be < 2%. A computer-based behavioural model of the Fylde community was developed and it was shown tha t it correctly predicted the observed changes in all major recycling perfor mance indicators. A modelling study enabled more detailed investigations in to the behavioural changes that may have occurred within the community. The se analysis revealed general stabilities in behaviours, with only 18% of th e model community changing their recycling behaviours with the change in th e kerbside scheme. Over half of these simply picked-up on drop-off recyclin g, leaving just 5% drop outs, though these were counterbalanced by 3% new r ecruits. Overall, the change was considered to be a success. Cost savings o f 60% accrued and the target tonnages (in the sales contract for the paper) were still met. The collection frequency change produced a net environment al benefit as well. The reasons why the change may have been so successful are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.