A new research report commissioned by Taylor Intelligence, says that increasing recycling levels in high-rise and multi-occupancy dwelling is vital to local authorities achieving their zero waste targets. The study, carried out by Prof James Baird of the Caledonian Environment Centre, followed the introduction of ‘near entrance’ communal recycling and glass waste collection facilities serving 8000 flats North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The results show that 68% of occupants are now recycling 2-3 times a week, achieving an average of 2.09kg per household per week – a figure which is much higher than levels achieve by kerbside collection in many other areas.
Dr David Gillett, Director of Taylor Intelligence, the research arm of recycling and waste containment specialists, Taylor said:
‘Much of the Homes & Communities Agency’s focus is on building high density, multi-occupancy dwellings in metropolitan areas, especially London. This will significantly increase the percentage of the UK’s population that currently live in high-rise or multi-occupancy accommodation from its current level of 20%. Thus it is essential that local authorities have recipes for successful recycling schemes to service these new properties. This Report aims to set a blueprint for such services that can be used at the masterplanning and local development framework planning stages.
‘With London alone producing enough waste to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool every hour, planners and architects must therefore give serious consideration to building appropriate and use-friendly recycling infrastructure into their designs for multi-occupancy dwellings.
‘This research demonstrates that the perceived challenges of doing so are by no means insurmountable and that the results can give a real boost to local authorities’ overall recycling volumes.’
