Citizen science on the solid waste issue

Abstract

The paper presents research results on the adoption of citizen science methodologies and approaches to address the issue of solid waste. It provides an overview that contextualizes the thematic of solid waste at a global level, then summarizes the results of the bibliographic and empirical research carried out, and, at the end, it presents conclusions and recommendations. The survey identified 66 initiatives and experiences, 51 of which are considered demonstrative of different focuses, target audiences and strategies of citizen science initiatives on solid waste, in different countries, among which slightly more than half are oriented to waste in aquatic environments, with great incidence also for plastic and microplastic waste. Most of the analyzed initiatives are focused on the production of data and information, including sample collection, monitoring of impacts, development of solutions and collective and community actions.