There Is Lots Of Confusion Over What Can Be Recycled
One of the biggest issues is that people don’t always know what can and can’t go in the recycling bin. Different councils have different rules, and what’s accepted in one area might not be in another. For example, some councils take certain types of plastic while others don’t.
Packaging labels don’t make things any easier. Have you ever seen terms like “widely recycled” or “check locally” on a product and felt unsure? You’re not alone. These labels are often confusing, leaving people guessing whether to recycle something or not. And let’s not forget that recycling guides aren’t always available in multiple languages, which makes it even harder for some households to get it right.
Good Intentions Often Lead To Wishcycling
Another problem that is impacting what materials can be recycled is contamination. Many of us will have put something in the recycling bin in the hopes that it can be recycled—this is called “wishcycling.” The problem is that when non-recyclable items end up in the bin, they can ruin an entire batch of recyclables.
Even items that seem recyclable, like a greasy pizza box or a yogurt pot with leftover food, can cause issues. If these end up in the recycling bin, they could contaminate the whole load, meaning everything might get sent to landfill instead. It’s frustrating, but it shows how important it is to follow the rules—even when they’re not always clear.
If something has been in contact with food then it’s unlikely to be recyclable; however, if it’s a cardboard pizza box then it can most likely be composted to avoid sending to landfill!
Recycling Can Be Inconvenient
For some people, recycling feels like more effort than it’s worth. In certain areas, councils ask residents to separate recyclables into multiple bins or bags. If you’ve got a busy schedule or live in a small space without room for extra bins, it’s easy to see why this could put people off.
And what about public spaces? In many towns and cities, there aren’t enough recycling bins available. If you’re out and about and don’t have a recycling option nearby, you might not have much choice but to throw your waste in the general bin.
On this point, it turns out that younger people are often less likely to recycle. This might seem surprising, given how environmentally conscious they are. But many of them feel sceptical about recycling—they’re not convinced it makes a difference. Stories about waste being sent abroad and not properly recycled have made people question whether their efforts are worth it.
Younger generations are also shifting their focus towards other environmental actions, like reducing plastic use or supporting systemic changes. While these are great steps forward, it sometimes means recycling gets overlooked.
What Can Be Done To Increase Recycling Rates?
Improving public awareness is a key tactic for improving the recycling landscape, and the good news is there are a few things going on that will have a positive impact.
Making Recycling Rules Consistent
A nationwide standard for recycling would make things much simpler. Everyone would know exactly what goes in which bin, no matter where they live.
Improve Packaging Labels
Clearer labels that everyone can understand would help people recycle correctly. Simple instructions like “Recycle me” or “General waste” could make a big difference.
Educate and Raise Awareness
Campaigns that explain how to recycle and why it’s important could encourage more people to get involved. Social media could be a great tool for reaching younger generations.
Increase Access to Recycling
More public recycling bins and better kerbside services would make recycling more convenient for everyone.
The Role of Businesses in Recycling
On the last point about increasing access to recycling, it isn’t just individuals who need to step up—businesses have a critical role to play in improving recycling rates too. Offices, shops, and workplaces produce a significant amount of waste, so employees and customers need access to proper recycling facilities to do their part.
Businesses can make recycling easier by providing clearly labelled bins for different materials, such as paper, plastics, and general waste. They can also educate staff on how to recycle correctly and ensure their waste management providers are handling materials responsibly.
Encouraging recycling at work not only helps the environment but can also set a great example for employees to follow at home. When people see how simple and effective recycling can be in their workplace, they’re more likely to carry those habits into their daily lives.
Looking Ahead At What Can Be Done
It’s fair to point out that this is a multifaceted issue and there are no silver bullets. Despite this, the fact remains that recycling in the UK isn’t as simple as it should be, and confusion around recycling practices is causing people to give up completely. The fairly obvious points about making the system clearer, more convenient, and better supported, will surely help to turn things around. After all, recycling is a small action that can make a big difference—and it’s worth doing right.
If you are a business and you would like some more information about recycling best practice then please get in touch with us. Our team are on hand to help commercial customers find solutions to increase rates of recycling and reduce the amounts of waste that they send to landfill.