Improving Recycling Accuracy across UK Local Authorities: A Prototype for Citizen Engagement

TL;DR

This study developed and tested an interactive app prototype that significantly improved household recycling accuracy in the UK by addressing citizen confusion and information gaps.

Contribution

It introduces a user-centered, location-specific guidance app that enhances recycling accuracy and reduces contamination, complementing systemic policy improvements.

Findings

Recycling accuracy improved by 60% with the prototype.

Visual sorting aids helped clarify packaging assessment.

Citizen confusion about logos and local requirements was reduced.

Abstract

Despite public motivation to recycle, significant barriers hinder effective household recycling in the UK. Decentralised local authority waste management creates citizen confusion and "wishcycling" (disposing of non-recyclable items in recycling bins). The recent Simpler Recycling Policy further complicates this landscape by mandating new identification, sorting, and cleaning requirements that will require citizen guidance to ensure they understand how these will impact their recycling practices. This mixed methods study (surveys n=50, expert interviews, design activities) used the Value Proposition Canvas to identify citizen pain points: confusion about logos, logistical constraints, and information gaps about local requirements. We then developed an interactive prototype application providing location-specific guidance, visual sorting aids, and material-specific information to address these painpoints. Focus group evaluation showed the prototype improved recycling accuracy by 60 percent, with marked improvements in packaging assessment. Technology-enabled solutions grounded in user-centred design can measurably improve recycling behaviours and reduce contamination. However, such solutions are most effective when complementing (rather than substituting for) systemic improvements in local authority communication and service design.