Couples in conflict as one in seven admit falling out over recycling
Image: Tim Weber, Pexels
New research has revealed that 15% of UK couples have fallen out about recycling, with 32% of those arguing over the issue at least once a week.
The findings, from not-for-profit recycling initiative Every Can Counts, highlight the domestic fallouts recycling can cause. The most common roots of conflict include putting things in the wrong bin (40%), leaving empty toilet rolls in the bathroom (33%) and not washing used containers properly before recycling them (30%).
The survey of 2,000 Brits was commissioned by ECC to raise awareness of the importance of recycling both at home and while out and about.
Demonstrating just how seriously the topic is taken in UK homes, 23% of those who have argued about recycling said these disagreements had escalated into bigger rows and 15% admitted to going a whole day or more without speaking to their partner as a result.
Despite the tensions, 73% of households have a recycling system in place and 79% of Brits feel clued up on the recycling guidelines in their local area.
When asked why they think their partner gets it wrong, 28% said they believe it’s done deliberately to annoy them, 27% blamed laziness, and 23% said their partner simply thinks their way is better.
Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager for Every Can Counts, said, “There is lots to remember when it comes to recycling, from what goes in each bin to which day the recycling gets collected – and rules can vary by area, so it’s not surprising that couples find themselves quarrelling over it.
“But as well as highlighting some recycling pet peeves and domestic disputes, our survey also shows that people really care about getting it right which is very encouraging to us as every effort, no matter how small, really does count when it comes to recycling.
“Aluminium, for example, is infinitely recyclable and a used drink can could be recycled and back on the shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. So, it’s important to look past your recycling bugbears and make sure you’re doing your bit for the planet by recycling and keeping valuable materials like aluminium in circulation.”
As part of its efforts to raise awareness of the importance of recycling both at home and on the go, Every Can Counts recently took to the streets of Preston to ask the public about their recycling habits in a series of vox pop-style interviews.
Every Can Counts is a unique partnership formed between drink can manufacturers and the wider recycling industry, all with the goal of reaching a 100% recycling rate for drinks cans.
To find out more information about Every Can Counts, visit www.everycancounts.co.uk
Top 10 disagreements over recycling:
1. Putting things in the wrong bin
2. Leaving empty toilet rolls in the bathroom rather than in the recycling
3. Not washing out things properly before recycling
4. Piling food into the kitchen caddy when it’s full so it’s overflowing rather than emptying it and replacing with a new bag
5. Leaving dirty pots and plastic out for me to clean
6. Putting food waste in the regular bin
7. Leaving recycling on or next to the bins rather than in them
8. Whose turn it is to take the recycling out
9. Not folding cardboard properly
10. Whether greasy pizza boxes can be recycled
