Output details

Attitudes to the use of organic waste resources to land

Since 2000, Dr Christine Thomas has researched public and stakeholder understandings around the design of more sustainable approaches to managing household and commercial wastes. This policy-focused research led to this project, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as part of their Waste and Resources Evidence programme. Thomas led the OU project team. The aim was to support innovation in the design of organic waste processing through enhancing understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of stakeholders from all parts of the supply chain to the use of the recycled organic waste on land. Working with Ipsos MORI, Stephen Nortcliff, Jon Pickering and an expert advisory group, the team took a mixed method approach incorporating large scale quantitative surveys of the public (n=1106) and farmers (n=500) and qualitative research involving telephone interviews and five workshops with stakeholders, using a combination of engagement approaches and systems mapping techniques. This final report was peer-reviewed by DEFRA and independent assessors. Bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to share knowledge generated significant insights, including how stakeholders understand systems design issues of balancing sustainability, environmental and economic benefit with potential threats to the environment and health. Key findings for policy and the design of future waste processing systems included (i) the importance of regulation, standards and enforcement in establishing and maintaining confidence and trust, (ii) there was a lack of connectivity and communication in the supply chain; and (iii) the use of recycled food waste on agricultural land gave rise to the most uncertainty and concern. Project led to a policy workshop organised for DEFRA and other government policy makers. It contributed to the Waste and Resources Action Programme and to conferences hosted by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the Sustainable Organic Resources Partnership and the International Solid Waste Association.