Social and policy dimensions of waste minimisation and waste management
Investigator (CI)
Funding Partner: Australian Research Council, TREMS Hub
Project Timeline: 2022 onwards. This is an ongoing project.
ARC ITRH
This project investigates the social, behavioural and policy dimensions of waste minimisation and management as part of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub (ITRH) for Transformation of Reclaimed Waste Resources to Engineered Materials and Solutions for a Circular Economy (TREMS).
The research explores how household practices, waste systems and policy approaches can be transformed to support more effective waste reduction, resource recovery and circular economy outcomes in Australia.
The project focuses on two key areas.
The first examines the development of circular economy networks, infrastructures and institutions by exploring international approaches, particularly from European markets, and identifying opportunities for adaptation within Victorian and Australian contexts. This research supports the identification of practical, scalable solutions and the development of circular economy pilots with local councils.
The second area investigates strategies to minimise kerbside waste contamination through a detailed understanding of domestic waste practices. This includes exploring how households use, separate and dispose of waste, identifying opportunities to reduce packaging waste, and investigating how waste recovery systems can be improved to enable more efficient separation and recycling of co-mingled waste.
As part of TREMS Theme 1: Social Change and Smart Design to Minimise Waste, led by Professor Ralph Horne, the project contributes to understanding the social and behavioural changes required to achieve better waste outcomes. Through research with households, communities, industry and government stakeholders, the project aims to generate evidence-based approaches that improve waste management practices, reduce landfill pressures and support Australia’s transition towards a circular economy.
TREMS is an ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub established to address Australia’s urgent waste challenges, bringing together researchers, industry experts and government partners from across Australia and internationally. The broader hub focuses on changing practice, reducing contamination, developing evidence-based standards and guidelines, and building confidence across circular economy supply chains.
Associated partners include Hobsons Bay City Council, City of Kingston, and Municipal Association of Victoria.
Partner Researchers at RMIT University:
Bhavna Middha
Sara Pishgahi
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