Gen Z are the worst at recycling, while older generations have got the rules down to a tee, new research finds

UK-wide polling reveals that the youngest adult generation are the most likely to bin than recycle, despite the perception they’re the most eco-conscious.

Gen Z are the worst at recycling, while older generations have got the rules down to a tee, according to new research.

UK-wide polling reveals that the youngest adult generation are the most likely to bin than recycle, despite the perception they’re the most eco-conscious.

The research also found that Gen Z are the least likely (19%) to recycle all their paper and cardboard with Boomers (54%) coming out on top.

Recycling bins not being readily available in public spaces, a lack of knowledge and contamination concerns with items such as meat packaging are the top reasons Gen Z struggle to recycle more.

According to research from sustainable packaging and recycling company DS Smith, almost all (92%) of Gen Z admit to throwing something in the bin instead of recycling it because they couldn’t be bothered to clean it out.

The youngest generation are also the most likely to admit to confusion around what they can and can’t recycle, with over half (53%) confessing to a lack of understanding. Amongst the items that frequently made it into the wrong bin for Gen Z are food waste (33%) and plastic bags (24%).

However, older generations rate their home recycling process as top notch and are most likely to go out of their way to ensure something is disposed of correctly in public.

DS Smith's Michael Orye said: “What we’re seeing is a generational gap when it comes to recycling. There’s no doubt that all generations want to play their part in helping the environment; the challenge is getting people to understand the role recycling plays in this.

"Cardboard, paper and plastic bottles frequently make it into the recycling bins of older generations with younger generations only half as likely to recycle them at home."

Despite this, young adults are also most likely to call someone out if they see someone throwing something away that could have been recycled, with 64% saying they would do so.

Across all respondents, nearly a third (31%) feel it is the government’s responsibility to get more people recycling, while more than a quarter (26%) think it is down to local councils.

However, 39% believe a collective effort is required, as it’s everyone’s problem, though Gen Z has the lowest proportion agreeing with this, despite 77% considering themselves to be committed to a sustainable lifestyle.

Poor recycling practices have been previously found to have an economic impact as well as an environmental one. Last year, DS Smith found that £2.8bn worth of sustainable and recyclable packaging could end up in landfill or incineration by 2030 if the UK’s declining recycling rates aren’t reversed.

Orye added: “The research shows that younger people want to do their bit for the environment – but confusion over what is and isn’t ok when it comes to recycling is a major part of the problem. The UK’s recycling rate is stagnating, and more education is needed to help everyone – whatever your age – start to see recycling not as waste, but how to make the most of materials. We must come together to tackle this problem head on and ensure that all generations have the information to become elite recyclers.”

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