Conclusions

• The system proved easy for householders to use from day one.
• By removing the related problems of odour, maggots and flies, this bin system will make it easy to go for alternate week collection of both organic and residual waste fractions.
• Alternate week collection of residual and organic waste offers the opportunity to harness human nature and avoid any need for enforcement of recycling compliance, currently the subject of debate. By explaining to householders that the aerobic bin is designed to cope with organic collections every two weeks whereas the residual bin is not, householders will quickly become aware through their sense of smell that they have a strong reason to ensure that their organic waste is placed in the aerobic bin.
• By providing a set of bins which are fit for purpose, opting for alternate week collection of organic and residual waste streams, and harnessing human nature, the way is finally open for achieving a dramatic increase in quantities of organic waste diverted from landfill.
• Based on the experience of the introduction of plastic sacks in the early 1970s when retailers followed local authorities in introducing plastic sacks, plus results from current UK trials, it can be seen how a shift in public attitudes to recycling will enable local authorities to shift the obligation of supplying paper sacks and bags to the householder with all the positive economic implications that this implies.