Gen Z are the worst at recycling – while older generations have got the rules down to a tee. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed it’s the youngest adult generation who are the most likely to bin than recycle, despite the perception they’re the most eco-conscious.
Gen Z (19%) were the lowest generation who recycle all their paper and cardboard with Boomers (54%) coming out on top.
Recycling bins not being readily available in public spaces, a lack of knowledge and contamination concerns with things such as meat packaging were the top reasons Gen Z struggle to recycle more.
Top 10 things Brits would likely throw away rather than recycle
The data shows that almost all (92%) of Gen Z admitted to throwing something in the bin instead of recycling it because they couldn’t be bothered to clean it out.
The youngest generation are the most likely to admit to confusion around what they can and can’t recycle, with over half (53%) confessing to a lack of understanding.
Food waste and plastic bags frequently make it into the wrong bins of those under 27.
However, older generations rate their home recycling process as top notch - and are most likely to go out of their way to ensure something is disposed of correctly in public.
What we’re seeing is a generational gap when it comes to recycling. 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.
Michael Orye
Managing Director of Recycling and Paper in Europe
Cardboard, paper and plastic bottles frequently make it into recycling bins of older generations with younger generations only half as likely to recycle them at home. Despite this, young adults are also most likely to call someone out if they see someone throwing something away that could have been recycled. And boomers were the generation that thought more clarity was required on packaging on how to recycle it, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Across all respondents, 31% feel it is the government’s responsibility to get more people recycling, while 26% think it is down to local councils.
However, 39 % believed a collective effort was required, as it’s everyone’s problem though Gen Z has the lowest proportion agreeing with this with this, despite 77% considering themselves to be committed to a sustainable lifestyle.
Poor recycling practices have been previously found to have an economic impact as well as an environmental one. Last year, DS Smith found that £2.8bn worth of sustainable and recyclable packaging could end up in landfill or incineration by 2030 if the UK’s declining recycling rates aren’t reversed.
Top 10 items Brits recycle at home
Michael Orye added: “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.”
