Jane Henriksen-Bulmer

arXiv2026

Improving Recycling Accuracy across UK Local Authorities: A Prototype for Citizen Engagement

Despite public motivation to recycle, significant barriers hinder effective household recycling in the UK. Decentralised local authority waste management creates citizen confusion and "wishcycling" (disposing of non-recyclable items in recycling bins). The recent Simpler Recycling Policy further complicates this landscape by mandating new identification, sorting, and cleaning requirements that will require citizen guidance to ensure they understand how these will impact their recycling practices. This mixed methods study (surveys n=50, expert interviews, design activities) used the Value Proposition Canvas to identify citizen pain points: confusion about logos, logistical constraints, and information gaps about local requirements. We then developed an interactive prototype application providing location-specific guidance, visual sorting aids, and material-specific information to address these painpoints. Focus group evaluation showed the prototype improved recycling accuracy by 60 percent, with marked improvements in packaging assessment. Technology-enabled solutions grounded in user-centred design can measurably improve recycling behaviours and reduce contamination. However, such solutions are most effective when complementing (rather than substituting for) systemic improvements in local authority communication and service design.

cs.HC↗

arXiv2025

So, I climbed to the top of the pyramid of pain -- now what?

This paper explores the evolving dynamics of cybersecurity in the age of advanced AI, from the perspective of the introduced Human Layer Kill Chain framework. As traditional attack models like Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain become inadequate in addressing human vulnerabilities exploited by modern adversaries, the Humal Layer Kill Chain offers a nuanced approach that integrates human psychology and behaviour into the analysis of cyber threats. We detail the eight stages of the Human Layer Kill Chain, illustrating how AI-enabled techniques can enhance psychological manipulation in attacks. By merging the Human Layer with the Cyber Kill Chain, we propose a Sociotechnical Kill Plane that allows for a holistic examination of attackers' tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) across the sociotechnical landscape. This framework not only aids cybersecurity professionals in understanding adversarial methods, but also empowers non-technical personnel to engage in threat identification and response. The implications for incident response and organizational resilience are significant, particularly as AI continues to shape the threat landscape.

cs.CR↗