Why is There So Much Confusion Around Recycling in the UK?
Almost one in 10 even admitted they are unclear if glass can be recycled and another one in 10 are confused over what to do with their old cardboard boxes.
The study also found two in three Brits are worried about packaging and the types of materials used to package their favourite products, yet 56 per cent are still confused by what can and cannot be recycled.
Andrew Barnetson, a spokesman for Beyond the Box, said: “Being green and recycling as much as possible is becoming a bigger issue every day.
“Interest and concern about the UK’s packaging supply chain has never been higher.
Top items Brits are most confused about
HERE is a list of the items Brits are most confused about recycling:
1. Plastic
2. Light bulbs
3. Crisp bags
4. Mattresses
5. Cardboard drinks cartons
6. Cooking oil
7. Batteries
8. Car tyres
9. Wood
10. Metal
”Packaging is a subject which has shot up everyone’s agendas and many are really trying to do what they can to try and make a difference.
“But there appears to be a great deal confusion as to what can and cannot be recycled.
”As a result, there could be a huge amount of recyclable items unknowingly being sent to landfill.”
The survey also found while 86 per cent of adults reckon they are good at recycling, 53 per cent admit they sometimes think it’s easier just to throw something in the bin instead of working out if it can be reused.
And a staggering 57 per cent have knowingly thrown something in the bin when it could have been recycled.
One in four of those said the item ended up in the bin because they didn’t know how to go about recycling it, while 29 per cent admitted it was too much effort to dispose of it properly.
The study, carried out via OnePoll.com, also found more than a third blamed a lack of knowledge about what should and shouldn’t go to landfill as the main thing which stops them from recycling more often.
Barnetson added: “There is a real opportunity for sustainable, renewable and recyclable materials like corrugated cardboard to play an even bigger role in providing the sustainable packaging solutions we all seek.
”With a recycling rate of over 80 per cent corrugated cardboard has the best UK recycling record of any packaging material.
”To put things into perspective, this rate saves an area the size of Greater London from landfill every four months.
“It is clear that there is an opportunity for us all to work together to improve the UK’s recycling rates even further, be it through increasing the number of collections and providing greater capacity, or educating householders about which types of packaging can be recycled.”