Recycling facilities in parks and on beaches most in-demand: Every Can Counts

The British public think parks and beaches are the most in need of improved recycling facilities, according to new research by Every Can Counts.

Nearly seven in ten 10 Brits (68%) think these public spaces lack sufficient recycling facilities, following their increased use over spring and summer due to Covid restrictions. This is up from 54% who felt more bins were needed in 2020.

Six in 10 also feel that a greater number of on-street bins are required to make recycling easier on the go, and 55% are calling for more recycling points at music and sporting events.

The not-for-profit drink can recycling organisation surveyed more than 6,000 people throughout the UK on their views about recycling and the environment.

Of those polled, nearly three-quarters (73%) say they would recycle more while away from home if there were more recycling points – up from just 46% in 2020.

People also felt that clearer signage on recycling bins and more recyclable packaging would also improve on-the-go recycling rates.

This coincides with growing environmental concerns, with seven in 10 (69%) respondents saying that leading a sustainable lifestyle is important to them.

Chris Latham-Warde, Programme Manager for Every Can Counts, said: “We’ve conducted similar surveys over the last few years, and this is the first time we’ve seen beaches and green spaces come out on top as the area where people would most like to see more recycling points.

“With so many people spending more time outdoors and in public places like parks since the pandemic, it’s perhaps not surprising that this has heavily influenced their views on the recycling facilities needed.

“Knowing what motivates people to recycle and any barriers in place will help us to close the loop entirely for drink cans – our ultimate goal is to achieve a 100% recycling rate.”

In 2020, more than four out of five (82%) drink cans produced in the UK were recycled, a record high, as nationwide lockdowns meant more time spent at home made it easier for people to recycle. This represented a 6% year-on-year increase and a 28% increase in 2010 when the UK’s drink can recycling rate was just 54%.

Every Can Counts is a partnership between drinks can manufacturers, leading brands and the recycling industry, focused on increasing the drink can recycling rate across Europe.

Since the programme’s launch, Every Can Counts has partnered with 8,350 businesses and organisations around the UK to set up 16,750 can recycling points nationwide.