To gain a better understanding of insights into American’s knowledge about recycling and how they find information regarding it, ISRI recently commissioned a study by Harris Poll.
Recycling obviously has many important
economic and environmental benefits, but also a number of misperceptions.
However, when Americans were presented with a list of statements, 4 true and 4
false, and asked to select those they believe to be true, less than half were
able to identify those which were actually true.
This
may be because there is a lack of readily available information about
recycling. Over 2 in 5 Americans (44%) say detailed information about recycling
is not readily available and that they have to seek it out.
Among
those who say information about recycling is not readily available, over half
(52%) cite an Internet search as a top resource to find information about
recycling (i.e., what can and can't be recycled, the recycling process, etc.).
It
seems that a strong majority of the population would benefit with more easily
accessible information about recycling provided to them, which in turn could
increase recycling efforts.
There
is a number of things ISRI is already doing to improve the access of quality
information on recycling. This includes partnerships with organizations such as
Earth911, Keep America Beautiful, and JASON Learning to make sure relevant, and
accurate information is being publicly distributed.
Another
area in which ISRI and its members are working to make a difference is through
our Materials Recovery (MRF) Council which is currently undertaking the
development of a standardized definition for local governments to communicate
to their residents about what is, and what is not recyclable. These
specifications will be presented to the ISRI Board of Directors in February for
approval.
More
details on this survey can be found in the Executive Summary, or
in the ISRI press releases related to what Americans believe about recycling and
where they receive information.
Please
contact Senior Director of Media Relations and Online Communications Mark Carpenter
with any questions.
Leadership Update Main