A recent research study conducted by the National Waste and Recycling Association showed that while more than half of the adult population in the United States has access to municipality provided curbside recycling, more education and awareness is needed for the public to understand which waste objects can and should be recycled.

The study, which surveyed more than two thousand people over the age of eighteen, showed that roughly sixty percent of Americans who have curbside recycling services in their community understand what waste items should be placed in the recycling bin. The study concluded that cities and towns could reduce municipal solid waste if the additional thirty percent of the population recycled more.

Areas where consumers lacked understanding included which plastic bags can be recycled and the necessity of rinsing food containers. Additionally, twenty percent of those surveyed said that they would place an item in a recycling bin despite being uncertain if it could be recycled. Recommendations for improving education include easy to find instructions on local government websites, magnets or flyers that can be posted near recycling bins, and stickers that could be placed directly on recycling containers.

Greater knowledge of a community’s recycling policies can help to ensure that the maximum amount of recyclable material is collected while reducing the amount of waste materials that can contaminate the stream or otherwise damage equipment or facilities.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Does your business or place of employment have clear policies and instructions for recycling? Do your employees or co-workers have a solid understanding of what waste materials should be recycled? Make sure everyone has “recycling smarts” by having information clearly posted and available. You’ll save money on disposal fees and feel good about going green!