Session Information

26-Jul, 15:15 - 15:45

Using Data to Build Public Trust in Recycling

Initially conceived as litter reduction initiatives, container deposit schemes are part of a long-term solution to manage recyclable material and recognised for their contribution to an emerging circular economy in Australia.
Maintaining public support and trust in the schemes' outcomes has been a priority for NSW and ACT scheme coordinator Exchange for Change, particularly as public trust in recycling is tested following negative media coverage of other recycling programs.
Through market research, both ACT and NSW container deposit schemes have identified that environmental and financial benefits are key motivators for participation in the programs. Exchange for Change saw an opportunity to increase support and trust in the schemes, and partnered with Lifecycles to create new digital tools based on life cycle assessments that calculate and showcase the individual and cumulative positive impact of people’s participation using scheme data.
In this presentation, Exchange for Change CEO Danielle Smalley and Lifecycles Director and Founder Tim Grant will detail the strategy behind these initiatives and the results achieved to date. Danielle will also share the lessons learned along the way and how these can be applied by other organisations or schemes seeking to achieve lasting behaviour change.

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