More affluent households produce more waste - and the bigger the bin, the more likely it is to be filled, according to research by Project Integra, Hampshire's integrated waste management strategy.

The results of a major survey of 1,500 people throughout the county were unveiled at a seminar organised by Eastleigh Borough Council, supporting the major Down to Earth conference on sustainable consumption held in Southampton on 22-24 September.

Hampshire County Council's Head of Management Resources and Director of Project Integra, Bob Lisney, said: "The survey was an extremely valuable exercise in pinpointing the future direction of Project Integra's strategy.

The amount of waste generated in Hampshire is set to double in the next 20 years, and this research provides us with information to set and measure realistic waste management goals to help us meet demand."

The research showed that in general terms, more affluent groups produce more waste, although those higher up the socio-demographic scale are also among the most environmentally aware.

High-earning households generate around 22.5kg of waste per household per week, compared with 15.5kg for those on lower incomes.

The results also highlighted that the method and frequency of collection were important factors in how much waste was collected.

Residents in the same socio-demographic group disposed of around twice as much waste if they had a wheeled bin instead of a sack, while those in Eastleigh - which has a fortnightly collection - generally produced around 20% less waste than those with a weekly collection.

Delegates were told that although the research showed around 20% of residents had little interest in recycling, approximately 80% could be persuaded to take a more active role.  Of these, half are already doing a good job, with the remainder having real potential to improve.  This last group is the one local authorities should be targeting when planning their waste management strategies.

Bob Lisney said: "Project Integra is the way forward.  The Government has already stated that waste management is going to be regional and sub-regional.  We've got to plan not just for waste collection and disposal, but also to make best use of collected recyclable materials.  It's important that we work together."

23rd September 1999
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