Banbury, England, UK: New research has identified four main barriers which prevent people recycling more. The study, commissioned by Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), outlines a series of simple steps to help local authorities overcome these.
In the last ten years recycling rates have increased from 7% to 33% and two thirds of English households are now committed recyclers, but this study shows there is great potential for those numbers to go higher if barriers can be overcome.
The study found barriers to recycling are physical, behavioural, poor knowledge and attitudes/perceptions. For current recyclers (94% of the sample), there were significant barriers that prevented them recycling as much as they might be able to.
The WRAP organisation commissioned the research in autumn 2007 to get a more in-depth understanding of what stops householders recycling or recycling less than they could. Work involved a survey of 1,512 regionally representative householders from a sample of nine local authorities in England and covered three different types of recycling scheme.
Kerbside sorting (Photo: WRAP)
Physical barriers
Fifty-two percent of current recyclers said they would recycle more if they had collections of a wider range of materials. Barriers can arise when containers for collecting recycling are unsuitable; when there is no space for storage; when collections are unreliable or when people have no way of getting to recycling sites.
Behavioural barriers
Forty-eight percent of current recyclers still binned things because they were not sure they could be recycled. Problems occur if people are too busy; if they struggle with establishing a routine for sorting out recycling or if they forget to put it out.
Barriers through lack of knowledge
Less than half the sample (48%) understood ‘very well’ what they were supposed to use their recycling containers for. Barriers arise through not knowing which materials can be recycled or not understanding how a local scheme works.
Barriers through attitudes and perceptions
Eighty-six percent of recyclers would be encouraged to recycle more by seeing the practical impact of their recycling in their local area. Problems arise where potential recyclers do not believe recycling is good for the environment; or not wanting to sort waste; nor feeling personally rewarded for recycling.
WRAP found that very different messages and actions are needed by local authorities to overcome these barriers. Authorities could improve recycling collection services, provide better information and practical advice on how to use the service, and show why taking part is worthwhile.
Phillip Ward, Director of Local Government Services at WRAP, commented:
“Only by addressing these barriers will we get people to recycle more things more often.
“Good communication about their recycling service is vital but it will not persuade people to use services which are unreliable or too complicated.
“We believe this research will help local authorities boost their own recycling rates and to build on their existing successes. WRAP will continue to support local authorities in achieving this."
Further information
A copy of the research report can be found at
www.wrap.org.uk/barrierstorecycling