Experts warn lack of awareness could ‘undermine’ recycling efforts

A poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of the waste company found that 70% of people are unaware of Simpler Recycling.  

The policy will come into effect in April next year and will see a standardised set of materials are collected from households across England. 

Julie Fourcade, head of external communications at FCC Environment, said: “It’s clear that people are currently unaware of the upcoming changes, and have only a limited understanding about what materials they will and won’t be able to recycle at home. 

“We know that one of the main reasons recycling rates across England haven’t risen in recent years is because of public’s stated confusion about what can and can’t be recycled.  

“Simpler Recycling is all about fixing that issue, and it has the potential to do so but, without a full, centrally orchestrated awareness campaign, there is a real risk that a lack of public awareness could undermine the government’s recycling efforts and do very little to boost the UK’s stagnant recycling rates.” 

The waste management company has urged the government to begin a mass public awareness campaign to maximise the policy’s impact. 

Despite a lack of awareness, the public is supportive of the Simpler Recycling policy, with 65% stating it will reduce confusion over what you should and should not recycle at home.  

At the same time, 61% believe it will make recycling at home easier and 59% believe it will increase household recycling rates. 

However, 20% remained concerned that the changes will require them to have too many bins for which they have a lack of space. 

Public unsure about recycling changes 

The poll of 1,880 adults also found that the public is unsure about which materials they will be able to recycle at home once the policy comes into effect. 

When asked what they will be able to recycle, 24% selected fabric, 20% selected wooden waste and 4% selected hazardous waste. None of these items are presently included in the scheme.  

There is also confusion about items which are included, with only 65% selecting card and glass, 68% selecting plastic and 72% selecting paper.  

Fourcade added: “Packaging manufacturers must also do more to reduce confusion among the public.  

“Extending producer responsibility for the packaging it places on our shelves is closer to becoming a reality, and this should herald a move toward packaging that is simpler to recycle.  

“Alongside this, clearer labelling instructions – which will require a simple ‘Recycle’ or ‘Do not recycle’ message – are set to come into force in 2027.  

“But early adopters can do their bit to help improve recycling rates in the short term.”