One in three Plymouth households winning waste war

But 68% of Households Struggling to Recycle Reliably, Finds Häfele

Is your household on top of the recycling challenge? Sustainability is currently a key concern for many, with attitudes shaped by startling reports on the damage caused by single-use plastics and other pollutants.

And whilst research suggests that this environmentally-conscious behaviour is also beginning to filter down to consumer level, progress is gradual. A study commissioned by furniture fittings specialist Häfele, released to coincide with Recycle Week, reveals that just a third of Plymouth households (32%) are recycling 100% of waste correctly.

Clearly, the right intentions are there. A report from sustainability experts, Wrap, underlines the growing importance consumers are placing on recycling, with almost half (48%) stating that they aim to be “really good” recyclers who do “everything right.” But translating these good intentions into action still needs some encouragement.

One of the major barriers to effective recycling is confusion amongst homeowners around how to separate rubbish properly. Common mistakes include mixing food waste with other types of recycling and submitting cardboard that is encrusted with food which may cause the waste to be rejected by recycling units.

Organised by sustainability experts Wrap, Recycle Week (24th -30th September 2018) aims to encourage the public to recycle more, by showing them the benefits of the process.

Adeline Baker, Product Manager of Häfele UK, comments: “Recycle Week keeps the topic of recycling in the public eye and serves as a spur for everyone to reassess their recycling habits.

“The desire to do things correctly and to make a difference is there, but confusion surrounds the issue.

“We believe good design can help. It’s no surprise that solutions such as compartmentalised or integrated bins, which not only act as a reminder to sort waste but also streamline the process, are becoming more popular with consumers; at Häfele, the number of bins we dispatch each year has almost doubled since 2012.”