ARCHIVE: Environmental Statistics
Waste: Research and Reports
The Open University Household Waste Study
Key findings from 2008: The main report
This report contains key findings and detailed statistics relating to household waste analyses conducted in 2008 by Open University students on the course 'Environmental Control and Public Health'. This work forms part of The Open University's on-going study of household waste generation and disposal which is undertaken by The Open University on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Waste analyses take place on an annual basis and are performed by students who sort and weigh the waste arisings from their household each week, over a four week monitoring period. In addition to the amounts of waste generated, information on the disposal routes by each household is also recorded, together with the responses to a questionnaire which seeks information on household profile and waste disposal practices.
This report details findings from waste analyses undertaken in 2008 by 94 households in England. The report also analyses trends in waste arisings rates between the years 2000-2008. The aggregate sample for the period 2000-2008 comprised data from 1304 households.
Available as PDF download only (350kb)
Fact Sheets
A series of Fact Sheets covering key aspects of the research have been prepared by The Open University.
Fact Sheet No. 1 offers an introduction to The Open University household waste arisings study, including the methods used to analyse and measure waste, and key findings from the study. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 2 Factors which Influence Household Waste Generation. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 3 The Reuse of Waste by Households. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 4 Weekly Variations in Household Waste Generation. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 5 Household Waste Generation in England. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 6 Trends in Waste Recycling. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 7 Civic Amenity Waste. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 8 Waste Composting. (PDF download)
Fact Sheet No. 9 Non-Municipal Waste Disposal Routes. (PDF download)
Factsheet No.10 Summary of Key Findings: 2008 (PDF download)
Further information
For technical information please contact the Open University team by email: t210-waste-survey@open.ac.uk
Further Information:
Your questions and comments about information presented on this page are welcome. Contact information and Email . Copyright of data and/or information presented or attached in this document may not reside solely with this Department. Please see guidance on Copyright.
Page last modified: 10 November 2008
Page published: 13 February 2008