Anthropogenic chemicals are fundamental for maintaining our standard of living in modern society. Unfortunately, some chemicals are persistent and can enter waste streams and, ultimately, the environment. Commonly used household products, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are notable sources of contaminants. The aim of this study was to develop an ‘Up-the-Pipe Solutions’ framework to raise awareness within the wider community about the presence and potential risks of the chemicals found in household products. There is potential to reduce the levels of contaminants in waste streams or substitute them with less harmful alternatives by raising awareness. This framework is based on ‘The Natural Step’ and the concept of essentiality; it recognises the importance of engaging with communities to raise awareness of each individual’s contribution to the problem. Our daily activities and behavioural patterns can have adverse consequences, including the release of persistent contaminants in main waste streams from our kitchens, bathrooms, and green wastes. The ‘Up-the-Pipe Solutions’ framework was successfully used in a small community to engage with school children, local authorities, and Māori leaders to raise awareness of chemical pollution.

Anthropogenic chemicals are fundamental to our standard of living in modern society. Unfortunately, some chemicals are persistent and can enter waste streams and ultimately the environment. Commonly used household products including pharmaceuticals and personal care products are an important source of contaminants. The aim of this study was to develop an “Up-the-pipe Solutions” framework to raise awareness about the presence and potential risks of chemicals found in household products to reduce their levels in waste streams or substitute them with less harmful alternatives. This approach based on The Natural Step framework and the concept of essentiality recognises the importance of engaging the community to raise awareness around the consequences of our daily activities and behavioural patterns that can lead to the release of persistent contaminants in main waste streams from the kitchen and bathroom and green wastes we generate.