Multi-Occupancy Property Recycling Feasibility Project

Project Summary

The traditional 'tenement' property, high-rise flats and other types of 'multi-occupancy' properties, pose particular challenges for recycling managers. At present, the only recycling provision for many of these properties is local recycling centres and points. To increase recycling rates from these types of properties requires a more targeted approach.

The aim of this year long research project was to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of seven multi-occupancy pilot schemes across Scotland. The project entailed the collation and analysis of a range of performance data including waste compositional analysis, recycling collection data and capital and operational costs. These data sets were utilised to assess the cost effectiveness of each scheme if it were to be rolled out on a large scale. The final report made a series of recommendations for the implementation and operation of future large-scale recycling schemes.

Project Partners

The project, commissioned by the Scottish Executive, was delivered by a partnership of SISTech and Changeworks (formerly the Lothian and Edinburgh Environmental Partnership - LEEP).