First staged in 2004 and organised by the Recycle Now brand, Recycle Week is the UK’s largest annual recycling campaign.
The nationwide week of action involves business partners, community groups and local authorities, with Recycle Now claiming that more than 3,000 businesses and individuals “joined the #RecycleWeek conversation” in 2021.
This year, the campaign will hope to demonstrate that recycling “really is worthwhile” by using insights from citizen research carried out by resources charity WRAP, which delivers Recycle Now.
Wishcycling is the practice of putting something in the recycling bin in the hope that it will be recycled, even though it might be unsuitable, contaminated or only partially recyclable.
The campaign will guide people to Recycle Now’s ‘recycling locator’ to help them discover more about how to recycle in their own area.
Recycle Now also says there are other plans for “exciting campaign activity” across the UK during the week.
‘Momentum’
Sarah Clayton, head of citizen behaviour change at WRAP, said: “Last year was the most successful Recycle Week ever in terms of changing behaviour, with 82% of people who saw the campaign content saying they had changed their behaviour as a result. We need to see that momentum continue.
In 2022, we want to show why recycling is important in the battle against the climate emergency
– Sarah Clayton, WRAP
“In 2022, we want to show why recycling is important in the battle against the climate emergency.
“We are focusing on helping people recycle more effectively at home, showing people how to overcome barriers and providing simple support through our popular recycling locator.”
Sponsors
Beverage company Coca-Cola Great Britain, multinational food-products corporation Danone, smoothies company Innocent, fast food chain McDonalds and groceries company Ocado are the first to confirm their sponsorship of the annual campaign.
Jon Woods, vice president and general manager at Coca-Cola Great Britain & Ireland, said: “We’re proud to be a partner of such an impactful week. This year’s theme speaks to our ongoing ambition in supporting real clarity, innovation, and progress towards a world without waste.”
Helen McFarlane, senior sustainability consultant at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting Recycle Week once again this year.
“We believe that the future of materials is circular and that we need to close the loop on waste.”
Campaign assets
A partner pack to show how individual organisations can take part in this year’s Recycle Week is now available from the WRAP website.
Recycle Now says new campaign assets, which organisations can tailor to suit their needs, will be available “soon”.
Related links
Recycle Now recycling locator
Recycle Week 2022 Partner Pack
Subscribe for free