Organic waste diversion: increasing the participation of multi-family residences in Vancouver

This study examines the issue of low participation in organic waste diversion by residents of multi-family housing in Vancouver. This research aims to understand the barriers to participation as well as develop policy options that overcome these barriers. I use the theory of planned behaviour as the framework for explaining the barriers. I undertake a comparative analysis of three jurisdictions with successful organic waste diversion programs – Hamilton, Halifax, and San Francisco. I develop four policy options: an incentive for adopting organic waste collection services, a mandate that building managers adopt organic waste collection services, an outreach campaign including the provision of kitchen bins for organic waste collection, and an outreach campaign with facilitating information on re-purposing existing garbage bins for organic waste collection. My evaluation supports the mandate for building managers as well as the outreach campaign to re-purpose existing garbage bins. Both options are highly effective, garner stakeholder support, and are cost effective.