Breaking Down Barriers: Understanding Why People Don’t Recycle
What is Recycling?
In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency reported that recycling and composting prevented over 94.2 million tons of material from being disposed! So, what exactly is recycling? Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials–that would otherwise be thrown away as trash–and turning them into new products. This seemingly mundane process has significant positive effects on keeping our Earth healthy. Recycling conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and so much more!
Why Don’t People Recycle?
With recycling’s profound effects on our world, it could make you wonder, “Why doesn’t everyone recycle?” While at first it may seem foolish, there are two reasons in particular as to why many Americans don’t recycle.
Lack of Awareness
The largest reason why many Americans don’t recycle is due to lack of awareness or knowledge. Many people are not fully informed about what can be recycled, how to recycle’, or what the benefits of recycling are. There is widespread confusion on sorting recyclables and contamination rules (such as when there is food residue in containers). There is also much misinformation on the internet, which leads to a lack of people wanting to recycle.
A study from the Recycling Partnership shows that 62% of Americans worry that lack of knowledge is causing them to recycle incorrectly. While we all come from different backgrounds, and may not have all had access to information about how to properly recycle, it is important to educate ourselves, so we can make an impact and maintain the longevity of Earth.
Inconvenience and Limited Access
In many communities and neighborhoods, people may see it as inconvenient to recycle if there is no easy access to recycling facilities or if the process is seen as too time-consuming/complex. For example, many neighborhoods in the United States don’t have curbside pickup or live in buildings with clearly marked recycling bins. Additionally, the effort required to sort and transport recyclables can deter people from participating.
According to a survey conducted by Resource Recycling Systems, about 40% of the U.S. population does not have convenient access to curbside recycling programs, which significantly impacts an individual’s likelihood to recycle.
A Healthier Planet
The Green Collective knows that recycling can be a confusing and difficult process. With the help of you all, we aim for a future where recycling is the norm. A future with reduced greenhouse gasses. A future with healthy people and a healthy planet. To learn more about recycling and how to contribute to maintaining a healthy planet, you can refer to information provided by The Green Collective as well as other established organizations.
By: Ezra Lee
