Almost a quarter of British adults would be encouraged to recycle at home more if there were clearer instructions on product packaging about whether a product can or cannot be recycled, according to the results of a recent YouGov survey.
As stated in the Government’s Resource and Waste Strategy, mandatory labelling and improved communications on products will be introduced with the aim of making it easier for consumers to know which packaging can be recycled.
However, the results of the survey, commissioned by EMR Metal Recycling, come at a time when it is almost certain that the UK will miss the EU target of recycling 50% of all household waste by 2020.
The survey found British adults would be encouraged to recycle more at home by simply improving the clarity of instructions on product packaging (23%) or if products had more “environmentally-friendly” packaging (20%).
It is important to consider the impact of waste for future generations. With our free schools programme, we want to influence the generations that can make a real difference to recycling rates
The survey potentially reflects the shift in public perception, as other options on the survey were less popular, EMR says.
Being rewarded for recycling, more bins and more frequent household recycling collection days were less popular than wanting improved packaging and more knowledge on how products are recycled.
Andrew Brady, EMR UK chief executive officer, said: “It is important to consider the impact of waste for future generations. With our free schools programme, we want to influence the generations that can make a real difference to recycling rates.”
EMR offers a free ‘Mindful About Metals’ programme for primary schools. Targeted at school years 4 and 5, the programme aims to inspire young people to make positive environmental change by teaching them about recycling, why it is necessary and how it benefits the planet.