Three quarters of Brits incorrectly throw away recyclables, new study reveals

Almost three quarters of Brits dispose of recyclable items in their regular waste bin, a new study from Barratt Homes has revealed.

In The UK’s Recycling Guilty Secrets, the housing firm combined insight from 2,000 residents with UK government recycling data, finding that 71 per cent knowingly dispose of recyclable materials in the regular waste bin. 76 per cent of respondents also admitted to putting items in the regular waste bin without checking if they are recyclable or not.

Further, Barratt Homes’ data reveals that 54 per cent knowingly put something in the recycling bin that can’t be recycled, with 48 per cent even admitting to hiding recyclable items at the bottom of the regular waste bin.

A considerable lack of recycling knowledge seems to continue as 40 per cent of the country don’t realise that cartons can be recycled. Other items households incorrectly see as not recyclable include glass bottles (five per cent unaware), tins (32 per cent unaware), plastic bottles (27 per cent), and cardboard (26 per cent unaware).

The report also identifies a series of items Brits are commonly recycling when they should be disposed of in the general waste bin – 32 per cent believe kitchen roll can be recycled at home, with carrier bags, wood, scrap metal (19 per cent), and batteries (15 per cent) similarly miscategorised.

The survey comes as a bid from the body to tackle climate change, as they share: ‘one easy and cost-effective way in which households across the country can become greener is by simply being more aware of their recycling habits.’

Accompanying the published findings, Barratt Homes’ head of sustainability delivery Gareth Rondel shared his tips for households to improve their recycling habits. He recommends setting up a simple recycling system to fit the residents’ lifestyles and their relevant recycling day.

He said: “Fitting recycling into your lifestyle is one of the best ways to remain on track with your recycling habits. Whether it’s taking the recycling out to be emptied on the way to the supermarket, or as you’re about to embark on the school run. This means you can fit recycling around your work and personal life, and your children can learn whilst you do so.”

Further, he urges Brits to learn what is recyclable in the home and what isn't, in line with their local authority services. On the importance of these habits, he adds: “Sustainability and becoming more eco-friendly has never been more important, with households around the UK striving to contribute towards a greener planet.

“By becoming more mindful of what and how we are recycling, a small change in household behaviour can make a huge difference across the nation. Our study highlights the areas of recycling that Brits are unfamiliar with and, from this, we can work to educate ourselves on how we can improve our recycling habits.”