Evaluation of bulky waste and reuse schemes in England

Abstract

The bulky waste fraction of municipal waste arisings is under-exploited in terms of recycling and reuse. Currently, third-sector bulky waste recycling and reuse schemes (e.g. furniture reuse organisations (FROs)) redistribute approximately 2·5 million items annually, largely to needy families and individuals, thus diverting – or at least delaying – landfill disposal. At the same time, several other benefits can be derived from the actions of bulky waste recycling schemes. This paper brings together a range of studies assessing the volume of bulky waste in terms of estimated tonnages and percentage of municipal waste arisings, and possibilities for augmenting current reuse. Turning to the efficacy of existing collection and reuse services, this paper considers: the various routes available for disposal; the operational effectiveness of FROs; and key aspects of the relationship between local authorities and FROs, such as coordination in communication and collection, funding and management of partnerships. Despite the apparent availability of bulky items for redistribution, current funding and institutional constraints may prevent FROs reusing all such items.