A poll revealed that 42 per cent of Britons experience “recycling guilt” upon disposing of recyclables in the regular bin, while a substantial 69 per cent believe more straightforward information would improve our recycling habits.
Many in the UK mistakenly toss recyclable items like glass jars, tin cans, and plastic containers into general waste, not realising they can be repurposed.
Reports indicated that certain things like broken glass and aerosol cans frequently end up in the incorrect receptacle, and according to the study, 16 per cent don’t realise metal bottle tops can be recycled and 12 per cent incorrectly think tins belong with general rubbish.
This insight arrives as we anticipate the “Simpler Recycling” law set to come into effect on 31st March 2025, mandating larger businesses to segregate various recyclables and food waste from general trash or incur fines.
Roger Wright of Biffa, who commissioned this study, highlighted the critical need for clear, easy-to-understand recycling information to aid individuals in making more eco-friendly decisions.
“People care about the environmental impact of their rubbish,” Roger said, “but there is still a lot of confusion about what can and can’t be recycled, and many people are still struggling to get it right.
“Recycling rates across the UK have stagnated and even declined in some areas, so it’s crucial for all of us to help the public understand what’s recyclable and what isn’t.”
Do you know your recycling from your general waste? Take this quiz to see if you can correctly recycle these items.
The new legislation rolls out to households from 31st March 2026, when all local authorities will be required to provide standardised weekly recycling and food waste collections, simplifying what is collected.
Roger Wright noted: “Recycling correctly preserves valuable materials, reduces waste, and supports a healthier planet for future generations.”
He cautions that food and liquid residue on recyclables can ruin entire batches, causing them to be discarded instead of reused, highlighting the importance of mindful recycling practices.
Roger advises that “Simple actions, such as rinsing containers and keeping recyclable items out of general waste, can have a significant impact. Recycling correctly preserves valuable materials, reduces waste, and supports a healthier planet for future generations.”
However he points out, food and liquid left on recyclables can muck up whole batches, leading to them being binned rather than reused stressing that it’s important to bear these in mind when recycling.
“The new legislation is a crucial step toward reducing contamination, encouraging behavioural change, and reviving stagnant recycling rates as we progress toward the UK’s net-zero goal.”