North Somerset Council recycling participation research
Background
North Somerset Council operated on an opt-in basis for its recycling scheme prior to 2003, with residents who wanted to participate requesting a recycling box. With the start of a new contract in March 2003, a roll out programme began to enable all household in North Somerset to have access to this service. By January 2005, the service was offered to all residents (85,600 households), however, since March 2005, the Council had been unable to obtain a baseline figure for the participation rate, or to identify areas where participation was poor.
Research Objectives
The aim of the research was to provide a robust set of baseline data reflecting differences in participation, attitudes and awareness for the recycling service of North Somerset Council.
Research Methods
A combination of participation monitoring of the kerbside recycling scheme and focus groups and a telephone survey with residents was used, to provide both validity and depth in the research findings.
Results
The research findings will be used by North Somerset Council to plan and execute their recycling strategies and communications over the next twelve months.