Combined Executive Agenda 120410.pdf - North Ayrshire Council

Property type can have a significant impact on the quantities of waste
generated. Generally, detached and semi-detached properties have gardens
and may generate a significant quantity of green waste. The type of housing
can also impact upon kerbside collection schemes in terns of storage issues
and participation rates. The distribution of housing types in North Ayrshire as
shown in the table 1.1 below.
Table 1.1: Housing Types in North Ayrshire
North Ayrshire Scotland
Detached 20% 21%
Semi-detached 21% 20%
Terraced 31% 21%
Flat 28% 38%
Unknown 0% 1%
Terraced houses and flats comprise 59% of the total housing stock and may
therefore pose issues in relation to internal and external storage space and
methods of containment and collection.
1.3.4 Propensity to Recycle
Encouraging the public to participate in recycling and composting collections
is the key to successful schemes. There are many factors which can affect
public participation, including:
� Timing and Frequency of collections;
� Collection container size and type;
� The types of material targeted by the scheme;
� Method, timing and frequency of advertising campaigns.
Numerous research projects have been carried out to identify links between
recycling habits and socio-demographic factors. There is strong evidence to
suggest that people who live in private, semi-detached or small detached
properties are more likely to recycle than those living in local authority housing
or larger detached properties. The lowest proportions of recyclers are usually
found amongst residents of terraced properties and flats. Generally, more
mature and retired people are more likely to recycle than younger adults,
especially those with young children. There is a strong correlation between
the economic prosperity of an area and sustainable waste management
practices.
These are some of the many variable factors which affect recycling
participation levels. It is important to determine and be aware of how different
households may respond to waste management and recycling initiatives.
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