Share of adults misplacing non-recyclable waste in the UK 2024, by type

Published by Bruna Alves, Feb 12, 2025

Drinking glasses were the most commonly misplaced type of non-recyclable waste in the UK, according to a March 2024 survey. At the time, 35 percent of adults surveyed recycled these items, even though they weren't locally accepted. Toothpaste tubes were the second most common contaminant, with 30 percent of adults misplacing them in recycling. Overall, over 80 percent of UK citizens disposed incorrectly of a waste item in their household recycling.

Leading types of non-recyclable waste misplaced in recyclable bins in the United Kingdom as of March 2024

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Source

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Release date

October 2024

Region

United Kingdom

Survey time period

March 21 to April 5, 2024

Number of respondents

4,582 adults

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

Figures consider adults in the UK who recycled each item when they were not accepted locally.

The source only interviewed adults responsible for dealing with the waste and recycling at home.

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