From Bleach Bottles To Deodorant Cans And Glass, Survey Shows Ireland’s Recycling Knowledge Gap

Recycling rules remain a muddle to many people with everyday items causing confusion over how they should be disposed of, a survey shows.

While 30pc of those quizzed rated themselves a perfect 100pc when it came to recycling knowledge and practice, the average score among the 2,000 adults surveyed came out at a more modest 64pc.

Repak, the industry scheme that handles most of the country’s recycling, said it was clear there were gaps in the public’s understanding of how to recycle.

Here are the top five things people don’t know how to recycle properly.

Bleach Bottles

Only 29pc of respondents knew the correct method for recycling bleach bottles—ensuring they’re empty, with the lid on, before placing them in the recycling bin.

Overall, 88pc of participants rated themselves as doing a great job with their recycling in general but only 53pc accurately identified what could actually be recycled.

Cereal Boxes

41pc of participants incorrectly disposed of cereal boxes; the proper method is to separate the plastic bag, flatten the box, and recycle both components.

Deodorant Cans

Just 43pc of respondents identified deodorant cans as recyclable.

These seemingly small errors can contribute to contamination in recycling streams, rendering efforts ineffective and complicating Ireland’s path to hitting its EU targets.

Glass

In 2023, Repak found that the recycling rate of glass was 83pc. Most county councils collect glass bottles and jars in their household collections, or just go to your local bottle banks.

Paper/Cardboard

The rate was 67pc when it came to paper/cardboard. As long as your cardboard and paperboard is clean and dry, it should be placed in your recycle bin.

Zoe Kavanagh, Repak chief executive, said it was clear more work was needed to flesh out what the key recycling motto of “clean, dry and loose” really meant.

“Our recycling knowledge audit has revealed a significant gap between perceived recycling knowledge and the reality of recycling practices,” she said.

“While many believe they’re doing the right thing, a national average score of 64pc shows that we are not where we need to be. Recycling is a 100pc game.”

Ms Kavanagh said while more public education could help, it would not be enough.

While most households used all three bins – separating recycling, organic and general waste – 40pc of participants said their workplace did not or they were not sure about it.

Commercial recycling fell by 13,000 tonnes last year and Ms Kavanagh called for stricter enforcement of waste segregation in workplaces.

“The answer doesn’t rest solely with households,” she said. “Our commercial infrastructure, particularly the three-bin system, also needs greater adoption.”

In addition to improving public understanding of recycling, Repak is pushing for structural changes.

The organisation is advocating for stricter commercial recycling standards and the expansion of eco fee modulation—an initiative designed to encourage more sustainable packaging.

Repak recorded recycling rates in 2023 as follows: glass, 83pc; paper and cardboard, 67pc; plastic, 26pc; wood, 69pc and metal, 55pc.

Ireland has met most of its recycling targets to date, with the glaring exception of plastics, but the targets are rising.

The target for plastic is 50pc by 2025 and 55pc by 2030.

For more tips, tools, and resources on how to improve your recycling habits, visit Repak’s website.

(Source – Irish Independent – Environment – Theo McDonald and Caroline O’Doherty – 09/09/2024)