New data from DS Smith has revealed that a generational gap in recycling is emerging in the UK – with older people more confident than the younger generations when it comes to understanding what and how to recycle.
Whilst Gen Z are often considered to be the most environmentally conscious, of all age groups surveyed, they have the least confidence when it comes to recycling. The survey showed that they are less confident on what packaging can be recycled (66 percent) than people more than the age of 55 (81 percent), and twice as likely not to know where to find advice on recycling (11 percent), compared to just four percent for people more than 55.
Two thirds of Gen Z respondents (67 percent) blame barriers to recycling in the UK, compared to 41 percent for those more than 55, suggesting that changes to the UK recycling infrastructure may be needed to improve recycling among the younger generation.
They cite confusion over what recyclable items go into which bins (20 percent) and not enough recycling bins from local authorities (16 percent) as issues.
