Jonathan Wilansky, Kailun Cao
• Municipalities with less frequent garbage collection had higher recycling rates. • Weekly food waste collection significantly increased recycling rates. • Free yard waste services improved recycling rates more than paid yard waste services. • Sorting and collection frequency for recyclables did not affect recycling rates. • Recycling success correlated with demographic factors, such as education levels. This study investigated the effectiveness of municipal waste collection policies within England and Wales by examining how variations in local waste management strategies correlate with recycling rates. Using data from 297 council districts, we analysed the impact of different policy variables (frequency of residual waste and recycling collection, sorting requirements for recyclables, and the availability of food and yard waste collections) on recycling rates. We applied a logistic transformation to the dependent variable and fitted a linear regression model using the gathered predictors to evaluate policy effectiveness, while controlling for demographic factors. We validated the model with a series of beta regression models. The findings indicate that less frequent residual waste collection, the availability of weekly organic food waste and free organic yard waste significantly enhance recycling outcomes. Moreover, the research highlights the influence of socio-demographic factors. The results provide actionable insights for policymakers to optimise waste management practices and recycling rates within the framework of existing policies.