Work

Socio-demographic and waste system determinants of recycling performance across Australian municipalities: a spatial analysis highlighting urban and regional differences

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Increases in municipal waste generation is a persistent global problem, prompting the adoption of ambition recycling targets across all levels of government. Municipal recycling relies on the cooperation of households to carry out primary waste separation, however recycling rates remain low. Identifying the determinants of recycling behaviour is therefore essential to inform targeted interventions to improve municipal-level recycling. While international research identifies socioeconomic, demographic and waste system determinants of municipal recycling performance, few studies account for spatial heterogeneity, including spatially varying relationships and differences between urban and regional settings. This study explores how socio-demographic and waste system characteristics influence household separate collection rates (SCR) of recyclables across municipalities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia using 2021-22 census and waste system data with multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR). Findings show SCR is strongly influenced by convenience and accessibility of kerbside non-recyclable waste collection systems, which suppress SCR as households tend to favour more accessible disposal options, which is more apparent in regional areas. Access to co-mingled food and garden organics (FOGO) collection and if municipalities were subject to waste levy charges, were strong positive determinants; with FOGO raising awareness of correct household source separation behaviours, and the levy driving investment in landfill minimisation. Spatial analysis highlighted some influencing factors such as education having global effects, while others vary across different locales, reflecting demographic and infrastructure differences especially between urban and regional settings. These findings highlight the need for place-based, adaptive interventions to improve recycling outcomes across diverse local government contexts.

Source: Journal of Cleaner Production

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2026.148097

Authors: Ben Madden, Steve Mohr, Nick Florin

Institutions: University of Technology Sydney, The University of Sydney, University of Newcastle Australia

Language: English

Topic: Municipal Solid Waste Management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Responsible consumption and production, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,660