Commissioned by Every Can Counts, 2,000 Brits were surveyed about the domestic fallouts recycling can cause both at home and out and about.
23% of those surveyed said that disagreements about recycling had escalated into bigger arguments, with 15% admitting to going a day or more without speaking.
The most common roots of conflict are said to include putting things in the wrong bin (40%), leaving empty toilet rolls in the bathroom (33%), not washing used containers properly before recycling them (30%) as well as overfilling the food caddy.
Despite these tensions though, 73% of households have a recycling system in place, with 79% of Brits feeling “clued up” on their local recycling guidelines.
Encouraging results
Chris Latham-Warde, programme manager for Every Can Counts, said: “There is lots to remember when it comes to recycling, from what goes in each bin to which day the recycling gets collected – and rules can vary by area, so it’s not surprising that couples find themselves quarrelling over it.
“But as well as highlighting some recycling pet peeves and domestic disputes, our survey also shows that people really care about getting it right which is very encouraging to us as every effort, no matter how small, really does count when it comes to recycling.
“Aluminium, for example, is infinitely recyclable and a used drink can could be recycled and back on the shop shelf as a brand-new can in just 60 days. So, it’s important to look past your recycling bugbears and make sure you’re doing your bit for the planet by recycling and keeping valuable materials like aluminium in circulation.”
Subscribe for free