ACTIVE LAB 10 / 12 October 2023 / 11:00 - 12:30
Organised by:
Pete Shaw - University of Southampton (UK), ps@sotonac.uk
Ian Williams - University of Southampton (UK), idw@sotonac.uk
The aspirations of waste management are well known and clearly expressed, notably in the form of the Waste Hierarchy and Circular Economy. Determining the rate of progress made towards waste hierarchy and circular economy goals varies in terms of the established methods and approaches. Quantities of materials in waste streams that are destined for landfill, incineration or recycling are routinely recorded; the means to achieve this are in general established and simple. Data acquired via weighbridges, for example, provide a simple and robust record of tonnages of materials received by waste management facilities. Likewise, data appertaining to sales of sorted materials from materials recycling facilities are easily recorded and provide mostly accurate and reliable data relating to recycling.
But how do we assess achievements and success in relation to other ambitions in waste management? How do we determine if and how our efforts are leading to increased levels of reuse? How do we measure the impacts of our efforts to prevent or avoid waste? How do we assess progress towards circular economy ambitions?
These challenges will be addressed through a participatory active lab in which delegates will be challenged to identify, develop, or create ways to achieve these critical objectives and ambitions.
