Study highlights confusion about recycling responsibilities
Wednesday, December 28, 2016 - 11:17:29
After it was revealed last week that recycling rates in the UK had fallen slightly last year, a new poll from YouGov highlights some of the reasons why this might be the case, according to Packaging News.
Recyclable waste which is soiled by other materials, such as the grease left over on cardboard fast food containers, is often rejected by processing plants. Yet the poll found that 55 per cent of people still include such waste in their recycling because of the misconception that it can still be dealt with appropriately.
Respondents were asked to indicate who they thought should take responsibility for ensuring that any contaminated materials were dealt with prior to recycling, with 45 per cent stating that this obligation should lie with households rather than anyone further down the line.
Thirty eight per cent said that the manufacturers who make the packaging should do more to address the contamination issue, while less than one in 10 said that it should be local councils that face this burden alone.
There is a general sense that people are willing to make the changes necessary to improve recycling rates and reduce the amount of contaminated waste that is rejected, although respondents said that they would need guidance on this issue in order to address their bad habits, since many are making mistakes unknowingly.
Representatives of the packaging industry have recognised the need to do more to inform and educate the public about which types of containers can be recycled and which materials are unsuitable for recycling after they have come into contact with grease, grime and other potentially unhygienic elements during their use.
In essence, there is an argument for the simplification of labelling so that there is no ambiguity about whether or not a container can be recycled.
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