Solution Model

Engaging Households in Segregated Municipal Waste Collection

This playbook addresses the process of identifying and separating different solid waste types within households to increase the volume and quality of collected materials.

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Engaging Households in Segregated Municipal Waste Collection

How do we increase the volume and quality of material collected for recycling?

In this playbook, we address the process of identifying and separating different types of solid waste within households. Splitting waste streams is critical to reduce sorting costs and ensure downstream recyclers receive uncontaminated feedstock, improving value recovery and reducing landfill disposal. The playbook draws insights from projects conducted in Argentina, China, and Indonesia.

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How do we increase the volume and quality of material collected for recycling?

In this playbook, we address the process of identifying and separating different types of solid waste within households. Splitting waste streams is critical to reduce sorting costs and ensure downstream recyclers receive uncontaminated feedstock, improving value recovery and reducing landfill disposal. The playbook draws insights from projects conducted in Argentina, China, and Indonesia.

Download playbook

Key takeaways

Identifying the issue

Segregating household waste can significantly improve recycling quality and quantity, but addressing the challenge remains difficult. This playbook highlights four key obstacles to improving household waste circularity:  

  • Households often fail to segregate waste, resulting in mixed waste sent to landfills  
  • Lack of source segregation increases strain and costs for sorting centres
  • Residents may assume different waste types are treated the same if they are collected together
  • Inconsistent or unreliable collection schedules erode trust in municipal waste services

Key lessons learnt

Drawing on insights from various projects, this playbook outlines five key lessons for effective segregated waste collection:  

  • Local governments must be committed and consistent in their efforts
  • Regular waste collection is vital for building resident trust
  • Personalised outreach is more effective than mass engagement in driving behaviour change
  • Back-end support teams are essential for addressing collection deficiencies
  • Households are more likely to participate if the collection process is convenient

Critical factors for success

Drawing on the lessons learnt, this playbook identifies three critical success factors for an effective solution model:

  • Supportive partnerships: Build partnerships with local municipalities, informal waste pickers, and other stakeholders while adapting services to meet residents' needs
  • Personalised engagement: Tailor engagement to residents' motivations and preferences using offline and digital communication channels
  • Test, iterate, and scale: Collaborate with authorities and residents to pilot, adjust, and scale the programme based on local insights

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Our Solution Model playbooks catalogue challenges, lessons learnt, and enabling conditions necessary for success, gleaned from on-ground trials. Learn more about our solution models, and explore our other playbooks.

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