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

Ayşe Lisa Allison, Fabiana Lorencatto, Susan Michie and Mark Miodownik
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Ayşe Lisa Allison: Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London W1T 4TJ, 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
Mark Miodownik: Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, University College London, London W1T 4TJ, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-26

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.

Keywords: behaviour change; Behaviour Change Wheel; circular economy; citizens; COM-B; food waste; intervention; policy; recycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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