Knowledge and behavioural attitudes towards wastes generation and recycling in urban and rural settings

Summary

Waste generation and rising demand for primary resources are still uncontrolled and increasing problems imposing enormous pressures on the environment and natural resources.

To limit waste generation and increase waste recovery from solid waste, household consumption and better sorting of household waste are needed. It is recognised that toward this goal, governments often place an onus on consumers/householders to reduce and sort waste. Waste reduction and recycling are key elements of achieving a circular economy and is a core strategy to advance sustainability and meet sustainable development goals.

Human characteristics and areas where people live (urban VS rural settings) can determine an individual’s behaviour and also the ability to change behaviour. In rural settings, waste management is often a personal responsibility whereas in urban areas usually have centralised waste management systems due to the high population density. Furthermore, the role of both government and producers of household products themselves is recognised as fundamentally linked to consumer choices and circular processes that reduce waste.

This research aims to explore the complex interactions between knowledge and behavioural attitudes towards household waste and recycling with the ways policy and product/manufacturing processes might influence consumer in their approach to waste.

The above requires transdisiplinary research connecting sources of waste and transitions to better use of materials to policies that might better monitor and track products from origin to end of life, and consumer attitudes in the context of where people live (rural vs urban systems and choices).

It seeks both global and locally focused proposals that can lead to new insights into complex interactions between individuals, materials and processes, and policies, that can affect change towards reducing household waste impacts on the environment together with people as co-agents of change.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.