The management of post-consumer plastics waste recycling in the UK

Abstract

This thesis examines the management of post-consumer plastics waste recycling in the UK. It brings together information and approaches from a number of disciplines in order to present a comprehensive view of the post-consumer plastics waste recycling industry and provide insight into participation issues. Two Scottish collection schemes are utilised as case studies throughout. The thesis summarises current practice in post-consumer plastics recycling and describes the processes associated with it. It also presents a summary of legislation relevant to plastics recycling in the UK, EC and US in particular. The thesis includes a quantitative survey of 500 members of the public that analyses their recycling behaviour and factors that affect motivation. It also looks at public perceptions of plastics. This is complemented by a qualitative study of plastics recyclers that examines recycling routines in more detail, and explores issues that affect the participation, and quality of donation, of individuals. The evaluation of post-consumer plastics recycling schemes is discussed, and models are developed in order to assessth eir financial viability. The lessons gained from this programme of research are then summarised in a policy framework.