How knowledgeable are you about recycling? The majority of Brits admit they can be clueless about the topic.
In a recent survey of 2,000 adults, more than half admitted to throwing away reusable items – because they don’t know they can be recycled.
The poll also found one in five (21%) have also chucked something in the non-recyclable waste bin because it was ‘less hassle’ than dealing with it properly.
Despite this, 88% claim recycling is important to them.
And one in three have been left disappointed after leaving an item out for recycling collectors, only for it to be left behind.
New images have been released by Nespresso, which commissioned the research to highlight the confusion people face, showcasing items that people do not realise can be recycled, in a striking view from the sky.
Guillaume Chesneau, managing director of Nespresso UK & ROI, said: “In a world with such a variety of household items, understanding what can be recycled can be frustrating.
"We hope our visual reminder will help people remember the key items they can recycle which might otherwise get thrown away.”
Nearly nine in 10 (87%) of adults correctly identified cans and glass bottles, food tins, clear plastic bottles and glass jars as being recyclable by some means.
But it was the items that can be recycled at large supermarket collection points, like carrier bags, which caused the most confusion.
Few Brits know that they can take bubble wrap (26%), plastic bags from breakfast cereals (28%) and plastic wrappers from toilet roll or kitchen towels (33%) to be recycled.
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In fact, nearly a third (31%) admitted they simply throw these items in the bin.
And more than half (54%) didn’t know where to look for more information when a recycling label says ‘check locally’.
While just 44% realised that aluminium coffee capsules can be recycled via dedicated collection schemes.
Nespresso’s Guillaume Chesneau said: “We use aluminium to protect the quality of our coffee and because it is an infinitely recyclable material.
“Our capsules can be easily recycled in several different ways, including being collected from outside the front door.”
Nespresso, have also co-founded a new kerbside recycling scheme called Podback, a cross-industry initiative to provide convenient coffee capsule recycling for some of the biggest coffee brands.
The scheme includes a nationwide Collect+ drop-off service for used capsules, as well as kerbside collection in eligible local authority areas.
The study, commissioned via OnePoll, also revealed that Brits are actively trying to reduce waste, with 59% making a concerted effort to buy items in recyclable packaging.
And four in 10 (43%) would even be willing to pay more for an item if it came in recyclable packaging.
Nespresso’s Chesneau, added: “Recycling is really important to people, but confusion often gets in the way.
"We hope this image will be a lasting visual reminder of the many small things that can be recycled, which collectively will make a big impact.”
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