New research by Anglian Home Improvements reveals that 99% of Brits now say they “actively recycle” in order to save the planet.
Anglian surveyed over 2,000 people* about their recycling knowledge and habits, to celebrate the launch of its new scrappage scheme, which allows customers to recycle their old windows – a material that over two thirds (70%) of us are currently unaware that you can recycle.
It found that, although the majority of people are doing their bit, many are unaware of exactly what can and can’t be recycled. Between 2012 and 2016 there was an 84% increase in rejected recycling, due to UK residents putting the wrong materials into their recycling bin*.
Although over 67% of the nation know the basics of recycling – that you can recycle aluminium cans, steel cans, glass bottles and cardboard – 27% incorrectly thought that you could recycle dirty pizza boxes and 26% said that you could recycle chocolate wrappers, which is unfortunately not true.
| Research respondents incorrectly believed you can recycle these items: | Research respondents incorrectly believed you can’t recycle these items: |
| ● Used pizza boxes (27%)
● Chocolate wrappers (26%) ● Mirrored glass (22%) ● Crisp packets (22%) ● Tissues/cotton wool (20%) |
● Pieces of asbestos (87%)
● Engine oil (72%) ● Windows (70%) ● Cooking oil (67%) ● Clothes (60%) |
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that you can recycle used pizza boxes, but in fact, the leftover grease from the food affects the quality of the cardboard and makes the pizza box unrecyclable. The paper fibers cannot separate from the oils during the pulping process.
Anglian Home Improvements spoke to Tim Ankers, Managing Director of The Waste Group, about the research. He said: “Unfortunately this research does not come as a surprise. Education on recycling is very limited and government and local council initiatives seem very limited compared to our European cousins.
“Traditionally, the UK’s approach has been to dump waste in landfill sites and not look to the future to find more sustainable methods to deal with our waste. It’s great to see that Anglian is offering a scrappage scheme on old windows, as these are recyclable and a commodity in the same way that scrap metal is.”
Matt Carey from Anglian Home Improvements said: “It is great that so many Brits have bought into recycling, and take the time to make an effort both at home (99% of Brits) and at work (85% of Brits). But it can be difficult to know what is and isn’t recyclable, when you get past basic materials like paper and glass. We hope that this research will help to raise awareness of the items that should and shouldn’t make it into your recycling bin.
“Not many people know that you can recycle your old windows, but rather than sending waste materials to landfill, our scrappage scheme aims to encourage customers to recycle their old windows and doors with us. You can also receive up to £3,000 for your old windows, so you’ll be saving money as well as the planet!”
Find out more about Anglian’s window scrappage scheme at: https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/double-glazing-windows/scrappage-scheme
* Independent survey of 2,000 UK adults, carried out October 2017
* http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37159581
The post Think you know what you can recycle? Think again! appeared first on Good to be Home.
from Good to be Home https://www.anglianhome.co.uk/goodtobehome/eco-living/think-know-can-recycle-think/
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