Future Domestic Waste Production Scenarios and Options for Its Disposal

Future Waste Scenarios

Based on the statistics and research regarding the current waste generation and disposal situation within the UK, there are reasons to feel optimistic. The amount of household waste generated in the UK is continually decreasing while effective recycling behaviors are continually increasing. However, as the population continues to grow in the UK, even if waste generation and recycling behaviors continue to change at the current rate, it will not be enough to keep up with the growing population. There are several areas where further awareness and consistent effort are required in order to keep the UK on the right track to a greener future for generations to come. The broad categories under which effective behaviors fall include the reduction of consumption, the reuse of products, and the recycling of products used. Each of these behaviors is successive to the last, meaning individuals should focus first on where their consumption can be reduced, reuse products in situations where consumption is necessary, and finally recycle any products that cannot be reused.

It is important to explore strategies in order to promote widespread reduction in consumption throughout the UK. Change in perspectives regarding the distinction between "want" and "need," and this may be difficult to integrate into contemporary culture, where materialism runs quite rampant. Awareness is required at the household level in order to make conscious decisions on a daily basis with the objective of reducing household consumption. Communication between members of households ensuring all members are on the same track with the same aims is necessary to ensure success in reducing consumption behavior. By making reduction in consumption a normal part of life in households, children will emerge with greater awareness and knowledge around the issue, and will integrate positive, constructive behaviors in their lives as they grow up and start their own households.

By increasing the amount of products that are reused within a household, individuals are placing emphasis on the perceived value and utility of goods that are consumed. Products are no longer viewed as useful for a short while, but instead are valued for their longevity. In order to increase behaviors associated with reuse within households, behavioral change in the form of habit creation is required. Just as it becomes habit to use a product and then discard of it, it becomes a habit to use a product and then reuse it for the same purpose or discover alternate, practical uses for the product. Again, communication between household members is required in order to ensure all members are on the same page in regard to reuse behaviors with the intention of positively impacting household waste generation.