Public engagement
   
 

   Behaviour - engaging with the public

One of the keys to achieving sustainable waste management is changing consumer behaviour. For waste prevention, composting and recycling schemes to reach their potential, we all need to alter our lifestyles. For people to act differently they need to believe that it is the right thing to do and an important way that this can be achived is through engagement.

An initial study, Public Confidence in Waste Management, assessed levels of understanding, examined behaviours, explored current best practice, particularly communications, and revealed the root causes of the poor reputation of waste management. It made 19 recommendations for engaging the public more effectively.

The NRWF has now gone further and jointly published, with The Environment Council, Best Practice Guidelines on Public Engagement for the Waste Sector, a comprehensive roadmap and guidelines to help local authority officers and project managers to identify, plan and run the most appropriate and effective engagement process.
Download the Guidelines here or contact the Convenor for a free copy.

The guidelines detail seven steps to the planning, selection of the right engagement techniques, management of the implementation and evaluation of effectiveness. Using check lists and considering possible constraints, they identify:

    -  potential aims
    -  potential audience
    -  Context and considerations affecting different planning requirements
    -  the most appropriate methods for engaging the public
    -  methods of assessing environmental impact
    -  a directory of specific techniques
    - check lists for managing the design, implementation, response and          evaluation

These guidelines have been funded by the RMC Environment Fund and prepared by The Environment Council in consultation with a broad range of individuals and organisations including local planners, campaigning groups, waste management companies, environmental and community groups.

 
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