Young people ‘least likely’ to recycle their food waste M
illennials may have a reputation as a socially conscious and planet-loving generation, but new Recycle for Wales research finds young people are least likely to recycle food waste.
Wales currently ranks third in the world in recycling, according to new independent research.
This is despite the fact that 43% of 18-24 year olds and 34% of 25-34 year olds in Wales don’t recycle their food waste, figures released last year show.
Of these, 13% of 25-34 year olds have never tried the food recycling service provided by their local council, despite acknowledging that their council provides a service.
Angela Spiteri from Recycle for Wales said: “It’s clear Wales is great at recycling as we rank among the best in the world but there’s more that can be done.
“If we could get all young people to build on the headway they’re making, this will have phenomenal effects on the environment, and could push Wales up the world recycling ranking system, potentially making us the best recycling nation in the World.”
In contrast, their older counterparts are leading the way with food recycling.
Nearly all (95%) of 65s and over claim they do recycle their food waste.
Other insights from Recycle for Wales reveal single people are most likely to put food in the waste bin with 18% of single households admitting they rarely recycle food, compared to 7% of couples.
Around three quarters of us in Wales claim to recycle our food waste, but when Recycle for Wales asked the nation’s non-recyclers what put them off food recycling, the most common reason was that it would be too messy or smelly - 39% saying it was one of their main barriers.
Another reason for 30% of Welsh people choosing not to recycle their excess food is that they don’t believe they are producing enough of it to warrant the recycling effort.
According to Wrap estimates, much of the 350,000 tonnes of household food waste from across Wales that evades recycling ends up in landfill, contributing to the creation of methane - a dangerous greenhouse gas.
If the food was recycled instead, the methane could be harnessed and turned into energy to power homes and communities across Wales.
Just two small caddies full of food waste could generate enough electricity to power a typical home for over one and a half hours.
Angela added: “We all create a certain amount of food waste which can’t be eaten, no matter how conscientious we are.
“Unavoidable waste items, like tea bags, egg shells, potato peels and banana skins aren’t edible but can all be recycled.
“People who are put off food recycling because they think it may smell, don’t realise that recycling your food waste rather than putting it in the bin can create less smells.