American recycling habits have room for improvement, survey finds

02 May 2014

The public could benefit from additional education on what can be recycled, according to a recent national survey. The survey found that two-thirds of Americans are clear on what belongs in recycling bins.
One item causes particular confusion, as 39% of Americans incorrectly believe it is acceptable to recycle plastic bags by tossing them into household bins. Plastic bags can damage and even shut down recycling facilities and should instead be recycled at participating grocery stores. 20% admit they will place an item into a recycling container even if they are not completely sure it is recyclable (News Release National Waste & Recycling Association, 21 April 2014).
Click here for the news release.
Click here for an executive summary of the survey (463 kB).

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