Gen Z is falling behind on recycling, trailing behind older folks who’ve nailed the eco-friendly practice.
A survey of 2,000 adults showed that the supposed green youngsters are more likely to chuck stuff in the trash rather than recycle.
Lack of bins, worry over contamination, and simply not knowing what goes where are to blame for shoddy recycling habits. Half of them (53%) fessed up to being muddled about what’s recyclable and what’s not.
Only 50% of those under 27 bother to recycle basics like cardboard, paper, and plastic bottles at their homes, while Boomers dp slightly better at 54%.
Unbelievably, a whopping 92% of youthful Brits confessed they’ve binned items instead of recycling ’cause they couldn’t be asked to rinse them first.
Michael Orye, managing director of Recycling and Paper in Europe, at DS Smith, which commissioned the research, said: “What we’re seeing is a generational gap when it comes to recycling.”
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “There’s no doubt that all generations want to play their part in helping the environment; the challenge is getting people to understand the role recycling plays in this.”
Most people think it’s a joint effort to boost recycling rates, although Gen Z respondents were the least likely to agree. Around 31% think the government should take charge of increasing recycling, while 26% believe local councils are responsible.
This comes as previous research has shown that poor recycling habits have both economic and environmental consequences.
A study by DS Smith last year found that £2.8 billion worth of sustainable and recyclable packaging could end up in landfills or incinerators by 2030 if the UK’s declining recycling rates aren’t turned around.
Michael Orye commented: “The research shows that younger people want to do their bit for the environment – but confusion over what is and isn’t ok when it comes to recycling is a major part of the problem.”
“The UK’s recycling rate is stagnating, and more education is needed to help everyone – whatever your age – start to see recycling not as waste, but how to make the most of materials.”
“We must come together to tackle this problem head on and ensure that all generations have the information to become elite recyclers.”
TOP 10 THINGS BRITS WOULD LIKELY THROW AWAY RATHER THAN RECYCLE
- Toothpaste tubes (36%)
- Food waste (33%)
- Packaging with leftover food (30%)
- Plastic bags (23%)
- Aluminium foil (21%)
- Batteries (17%)
- Electronics and cables (16%)
- Clothing and textiles (15%)
- Aerosol cans (14%)
- Plastic yogurt containers (13%)
TOP 10 ITEMS BRITS RECYCLE AT HOME
- Cardboard (77%)
- Plastic bottles (75%)
- Paper (74%)
- Cans (74%)
- Tin cans (73%)
- Glass bottles (68%)
- Junk mail (66%)
- Egg cartons (65%)
- Milk/juice cartons (64%)
- Magazines (60%)