Assessment of Biodegradable Plastic Waste Management in Leeuwarden

This study assesses the inefficiencies in the biodegradable plastic waste management system in Leeuwarden from a socio-technical perspective. The study utilized a mixed methods approach through resident surveys and stakeholder interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system from diverse perspectives, providing key insights into the system’s strengths, inefficiencies and the complex interactions between various components of the system. The study identified various strengths such as active separation of waste, resident engagement and adaptive capacity of the system to evolve over time. However, there are significant challenges hindering the effective waste management of biodegradable plastics; such as knowledge gaps and improper disposal practices among residents, an underdeveloped technical infrastructure and value chain for biodegradable plastics, a lack of regulations and absence of producer incentives. Optimizing the system requires efforts in various domains including public awareness campaigns, improved labelling with clear disposal instructions, policy interventions, stakeholder collaborations and infrastructure development for sorting, composting and recycling. Addressing the inefficiencies of the system is crucial as the production of biodegradable plastics is projected to increase in the coming years.