OPRL survey highlights scale of ‘recycling confusion’

The research, which surveyed 5,010 people in Great Britain, found that the majority (58%) of consumers look for recycling information when they come to dispose of packaging, while almost 80% “said it was important that recycling labels on packaging follow a consistent format”.

“Consistency and issues around trust in recycling claims also rated highly,” OPRL explained.

Executive Director at OPRL, Margaret Bates, said: “It is really encouraging to hear that even with the challenges of the cost of living crisis, 68 per cent of our respondents think that recycling is as important – or more important – than ever. The key is to make recycling information clear and easy to locate. Luckily, consumers also told us how to resolve this.”

Ms Bates added: “Confusing information has a direct impact on the volume of packaging recycled. This means that items are placed in recycling containers, where they may contaminate the recycling stream.”

Label

OPRL is behind the ‘recycle’ or ‘don’t recycle’ label found on most consumer packaging. In January, the government confirmed that brand owners and importers will be obligated to label their primary and shipment packaging made from most materials either ‘recycle’ or ‘do not recycle’ with an accompanying logo by 31 March 2026.

However, OPRL will no longer have exclusive use of the Recycle Now mark once labelling became mandatory. Currently, the cost of joining OPRL, which is voluntary and starts at £395, varies based on the size of company.

Confusion

The OPRL survey also showed that 42% of those who are unsure about recyclability will take a guess, and a further 20% said when they are unsure, they choose not to recycle.

“In both these cases, potentially recyclable packaging is falling through the gap, for want of clear information,” OPRL said.

With EPR looking to drive more circular packaging systems, OPRL said it is important consumers find it east to recycle to make it work, “so it’s really important that they understand what to do”.

OPRL was launched in 2009 as a not-for-profit limited by guarantee as part of the British Retail Consortium, the trade association for UK retailers.

It says its labelling system takes account of the “whole recycling process”, from council and in-store collections to sorting at material recycling facilities.