Consumers Recycle Consistently at Home, but Inconvenience Hurts – Study

Consumers generally recycle consistently at home, but their efforts are limited by lack of room-specific bins and clear product labeling, according to a new study.

While 72 percent of consumers consistently recycle at home, only about half do in rooms beyond the kitchen, according to a survey conducted by Boston-based Cone Communications. The study was done in partnership with Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies as part of its Care To Recycle program, according to a news release.

The study concluded that not having a recycling bin in each room is the top roadblock to recycling more at home. In the study 17 percent said they would recycle more often if they had better or more convenient bins throughout the house.

Consumers also fault not knowing what products or packaging are recyclable, as well as the amount of space recycling requires, as additional deterrents.

For consumers that do recycle, 42 percent do so because of a genuine concern for the environment, the report said. Only 10 percent do solely because it is mandatory in their community.

"Knowledge and convenience go hand in hand when it comes to maximizing the chances a recyclable will make its way through the home and into the recycling bin," said Paulette Frank, vice president – sustainability for Johnson & Johnson. "Labels build awareness of what is recyclable, and household bins, ideally within arm's reach, help many of us take the next step of separating recyclables from the trash destined for a landfill."