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Barriers and Enablers to Food Waste Recycling: A Mixed Methods Study amongst UK Citizens

Author

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  • Ayşe Lisa Allison

    (Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London W1T 4TJ, UK
    Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK)

  • Fabiana Lorencatto

    (Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK)

  • Susan Michie

    (Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London W1T 4TJ, UK
    Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK)

  • Mark Miodownik

    (Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London W1T 4TJ, UK)

Abstract

We aim to identify influences on UK citizens’ household food waste recycling as a basis for designing strategies to increase household food waste collection rates via local services. Using a UK dataset ( n = 1801) and the COM-B (Capability–Opportunity–Motivation–Behaviour) model as a theoretical framework, we conduct quantitative regression and supporting thematic analyses to investigate influences on citizens’ recycling of food waste. Results show that automatic motivation (e.g., emotions and habit) and psychological capability (e.g., knowledge) predict household food waste recycling. Physical opportunity (i.e., dealing with food waste in other ways such as home-composting or feeding pets/strays, time and financial costs) was the main barrier to recycling food waste identified in thematic analyses. Participants also reported automatic motivation-related barriers such as concerns over pests, odour, hygiene and local authorities’ food waste collection capabilities. Based on findings we recommend the development of clear, consistent communications aimed at creating positive social norms relating to recycling and increasing knowledge of what can and cannot be put in food waste bins. Improved functional design and free distribution of bins and compostable caddy liners developed according to user-centred needs for cleanliness, convenience and hygiene are also needed. These will not be sufficient without a nationally uniform, efficient and reliable system of household food waste collection.

Suggested Citation

  • Ayşe Lisa Allison & Fabiana Lorencatto & Susan Michie & Mark Miodownik, 2022. "Barriers and Enablers to Food Waste Recycling: A Mixed Methods Study amongst UK Citizens," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:5:p:2729-:d:759391
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ayşe Lisa Allison & Fabiana Lorencatto & Susan Michie & Mark Miodownik, 2021. "Barriers and Enablers to Buying Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Packaging," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
    3. Moult, J.A. & Allan, S.R. & Hewitt, C.N. & Berners-Lee, M., 2018. "Greenhouse gas emissions of food waste disposal options for UK retailers," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 50-58.
    4. Massimiliano Agovino & Maria Ferrara & Katia Marchesano & Antonio Garofalo, 2020. "The separate collection of recyclable waste materials as a flywheel for the circular economy: the role of institutional quality and socio-economic factors," Economia Politica: Journal of Analytical and Institutional Economics, Springer;Fondazione Edison, vol. 37(2), pages 659-681, July.
    5. Lee Cronbach, 1951. "Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 16(3), pages 297-334, September.
    6. Timlett, R.E. & Williams, I.D., 2009. "The impact of transient populations on recycling behaviour in a densely populated urban environment," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 53(9), pages 498-506.
    7. Russell, Sally V. & Young, C. William & Unsworth, Kerrie L. & Robinson, Cheryl, 2017. "Bringing habits and emotions into food waste behaviour," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 107-114.
    8. Timlett, R.E. & Williams, I.D., 2008. "Public participation and recycling performance in England: A comparison of tools for behaviour change," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 52(4), pages 622-634.
    9. Björn Hedin & Cecilia Katzeff & Elina Eriksson & Daniel Pargman, 2019. "A Systematic Review of Digital Behaviour Change Interventions for More Sustainable Food Consumption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-23, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ayşe Lisa Allison & Abbie Curtis O’Reilly & Alicia Abicht & Danielle Purkiss & Mark Miodownik & Susan Michie & Fabiana Lorencatto, 2024. "Reducing Disposable Diaper Waste: Protocol for a Behavioural Science Workstream," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-17, September.

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