Waste in Public Space – Connecting Interventions (Trash Talks)

Problem Description

Litter and illegal dumping present major challenges in urban areas, with significant ecological as well as social consequences. Dirty streets and squares not only create the impression of ineffective governance and weak enforcement, they also contribute to negative perceptions and stigma surrounding certain neighbourhoods. Densely populated and low income areas often face a disproportionate burden of litter and illegal dumping.
For residents living in poverty, the demands of proper waste management can be especially taxing: limited storage space, language or information barriers, and financial obstacles make it more difficult to dispose of waste correctly. As a result, these residents are doubly penalized: they primarily experience the punitive aspects of waste policy while rarely benefiting from the advantages of clean public spaces. This inequality in the effects of urban waste policy raises important questions about social justice.

This project therefore examines waste in public space from the perspective of social inequality. Together with urban stakeholders, social work professionals, and residents, we explore solutions for managing waste in public space that take into account the realities of poverty and social exclusion. Our aim is socially just and effective waste management tailored to vulnerable neighbourhoods.

Impact

With this research, we aim to contribute to:

• More effective litter and illegal dumping policies tailored to diverse resident groups.

  We provide policymakers with new insights into the social dimensions of litter and illegal dumping, supporting more targeted and effective responses for different communities in the city.

• Reducing social exclusion.

  We aim to mitigate the negative social effects of urban waste issues and waste policy on residents in vulnerable socio-economic positions.

• More pleasant and attractive public spaces and neighbourhoods.

  We work to stimulate positive neighbourhood experiences and social dynamics through counter narratives and socio spatial interventions that address litter and illegal dumping.

Research Questions

The central research question of this project is: “How can urban waste in public space be addressed in ways that prevent or reduce social exclusion?”

This question is explored through three sub questions:

1. Which interventions currently exist in vulnerable neighbourhoods, how were they developed, and how do they function?
2. How do existing interventions interact with processes of social exclusion?
3. Which socio spatial interventions addressing waste in public space can stimulate new, positive neighbourhood experiences?

Approach

To map the links between waste policy, poverty, and social exclusion, we combine several qualitative research methods:

• Desk Research, Expert Interviews, and Discourse Analysis
  We examine the relationship between waste (policy) and poverty/social exclusion through desk research, mapping existing interventions, and identifying best practices. We also analyse the dominant narratives in policy documents and media coverage of the neighbourhoods and groups involved.
• Case Study Research
  Case studies in specific urban areas where litter and illegal dumping are perceived as persistent and severe allow us to gain in depth understanding. Through document analysis, stakeholder mapping, observations, and in depth interviews, we explore different problem definitions, identify key actors, reconstruct the history and current approach, and analyse how these shape neighbourhood experiences.
• Impact Evaluation
  Using collected data, we evaluate how waste policy measures affect people in vulnerable socio economic positions. These analyses are validated through focus groups with social workers and experts by experience.
• Participatory Action Research
  From the studied cases, we select at least three locations where we co create, implement, and evaluate tailored waste interventions together with local stakeholders. This component also includes the development of multimedia reports that explore connecting narratives and new perspectives.

Steering Committee Members
•    Robbe Geerts, Sociologist, University of Antwerp
•    Jeroen Buytaert, Community Worker, Wijkwerking Elegast-Dam
•    Glen Smets, Head of Liveability Department, Woonhaven Antwerp
•    Rachelle Brouns, Liveability Project Officer, Woonhaven Antwerp
•    Maarten Loopmans, Professor of Geography, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven
•    Marion Vanbossel, Project Coordinator “Ruimte Publiek Maken,” SAAMO Antwerp