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 younger adult generation who are most likely to bin than recycle certain items, despite the perception they’re the most eco-conscious.
Limited bins, contamination concerns and lack of knowledge were among the top reasons for not recycling properly.
Only half of those under 27 were likely to recycle cardboard, paper and plastic bottles at home. They ranked the lowest at recycling all their paper and cardboard, compared to 54% of Boomers.
Almost all (92%) young adults admitted to throwing something in the bin instead of recycling it because they couldn’t be bothered to clean it out.
However, over half (53%) confessed to confusion and lack of understanding on what could and couldn’t be recycled.
Older generations rated 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.
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.
“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.”
The majority of respondents believe it’s a collective effort to get more people recycling, though Gen Z were the lowest proportion to agree with this.
A third (31%) feel it is the government’s responsibility to get more people recycling, while 26% believe it is down to local councils.
Coinciding with this, 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.
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.”
