EcoAlpha Research: Public Recycling Knowledge Gap

This figure shows one of our survey questions: "Which item is typically not recyclable in curbside bins?" The correct answer is chip bags and candy wrappers, and this is because they are made of a mix of plastic, foil, and paper layers that can't be separated for recycling.

While, 66% of participants answered correctly, about one-third of participants that selected an incorrect answer, suggesting that there is still some confusion about what can and cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins. 

Another question we asked was what should you do with broken ceramic items, such as dishes. The correct answer is to wrap them and place them in the trash because ceramics and glass can’t be recycled together. Only 35% of participants answered this question correctly, making it one of the more frequently missed questions of our survey. 

This question focuses on plastic recycling. The correct answer is #2 HDPE plastic, which is commonly found in household items such as milk jugs and detergent bottles. Only about half of participants answered this question correctly.

This question asks which item is not recyclable in standard curbside recycling programs. The correct answer is disposable diaper. About one-third of participants answered incorrectly, which shows that some people are still unsure about common household items. Disposable diapers are not recyclable because they are made of many mixed materials and are contaminated after use. This result reminds us that waste education should include everyday items, not just obvious examples like bottles, cans, and cardboard.