New research for Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week reveals a confidence gap, with fewer than one in six Australians very confident they recycle correctly.
Australians believe recycling has become easier over the past 30 years, but new research reveals many remain unsure whether they’re getting it right.
The Pollinate Pulse survey, commissioned by Planet Ark, found that 82 per cent of Australians aged 50–64 say recycling is easier than it was 30 years ago, including 55 per cent who say it is much easier. Across all age groups, 58 per cent say recycling is easier than it was a decade ago.
Yet confidence has not kept pace with that progress. Just 16 per cent of Australians are very confident they are recycling correctly, while 38 per cent are only somewhat confident and nine per cent have little or no confidence. This highlights the need for clearer guidance as Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The confidence issue is most significant with young adults, with just 40 per cent of Australians aged 18–24 say they are very or quite confident they recycle correctly, compared with 62 per cent of those aged 50–64.
Planet Ark CEO Adam Culley said the findings highlighted both the progress Australia had made and the work still needed to help people recycle with confidence.
“Thirty years ago, recycling looked very different. It’s encouraging to see that Australians recognise how much easier it has become, but we can’t assume that means everyone knows what belongs in their recycling bin.
“People want to do the right thing, and they need clear, consistent information to help them do it. National Recycling Week is an opportunity to get back to basics, build confidence and remind Australians that small actions can make a real difference when we all take part.”
The research also suggests Australians want improvements across the recycling system, not just better guidance on what goes in the bin. When asked about their biggest priorities, 52 per cent selected less unnecessary packaging, 48 per cent wanted more products made using recycled materials, and 46 per cent supported a national solution for soft plastics. Just three per cent selected none of the options presented.
Mr Culley said improving Australia’s recycling system required action throughout the product lifecycle.
“Households have an important role to play, but recycling alone won’t solve our waste challenges. We also need to reduce unnecessary packaging, design products to be easier to recover and reuse, and create stronger markets for recycled materials.
“Governments, businesses, industry and communities all have a part to play in keeping valuable resources in circulation.”
Founded by Planet Ark in 1996, National Recycling Week has spent three decades helping Australians understand recycling and take practical action to reduce waste. The program asks Australians to Join the Cycle by looking beyond the recycling bin and considering the full resource recovery journey.
Running from 9–15 November, National Recycling Week offers free tools and resources for households, schools, workplaces, councils and community groups to improve recycling knowledge, reduce contamination and get involved.
National Recycling Week is made possible by Associate Sponsors Coca-Cola Australia, Winc, Tetra Pak and EcoBatt; Supporting Sponsors Cleanaway, PREP Design, Sunglass Fix and Cartridges 4 Planet Ark; Community Partner Vinnies NSW; and Official Media Partner Seven West Media.
To learn more or get involved, visit nationalrecyclingweek.com.au.
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