The paper considers the participation of households in recycling programmes in areas of multistorey, low income housing which are often considered unattractive for such programmes. A model of the material recycled is presented together with a review of socio-economic, housing, technological, policy and other factors influencing household recycling. This is followed by a case study of two areas in the city of Edinburgh. Results suggest that the level of recycling is influenced by collection methods, for all materials except glass, with half of the recyclers starting
as a result of the introduction of kerbside collection. Housing characteristics (such as the storey level in buildings without lifts), household size and access to cars all influenced recycling participation rates. Housing tenure was not found to be significant. This suggests that well designed kerbside collection programmes can have a significant impact in areas with high levels of multi-storey dwellings, low-incomes, and public housing.