Young Welsh adults still unsure about recycling
A STUDY has revealed that a section of young adults in Wales still haven’t got to grips with recycling.
More than a quarter (28%) of 18 to 34-year-olds in a survey released by Recycle for Wales admitted to guessing that what they were recycling was actually recyclable.
The research also found that more than four in 10 millennials want to be good recyclers but despite this, a fifth (19%) of those surveyed don’t follow on-pack guidelines.
Angela Spiteri, campaign manager at Recycle for Wales said: “Wales is leading the way when it comes to recycling.
“The overall recycling rate is 64%, which is the third highest in the world, second highest in Europe and highest in the UK – but we want to be number one.
“Young people want to be the best recyclers, but at the moment, they’re aspiring to that rather than being it.”
However, young recyclers aren’t the only group who could up their game – many of us are still unknowingly throwing away recyclables.
Recycle for Wales says that aerosol products such as hairspray and deodorants are evading recycling bins across the country, and rank in the top products that have the biggest room for improvement.
Other products that could make a big difference to recycling rates include shampoo, conditioner, perfume and shower gel bottles.
Angela continued: “We all get things wrong from time to time – but a little bit of effort can go a long way.
“Increasing the amount of items that go into recycling instead of landfill will have a huge effect on the environment – and there are lots of little tips that can help us remember what is and isn’t recyclable.”
The recycling campaign is at Festival Number 6 in Portmeirion this weekend to show how the energy saved from recycling products used at festivals could power stages and instruments.
It says if everyone at the festival recycled one can of beer it would save enough energy to power the main stage for 16 days.