Behavior Change Research Shows How to Spur Consumer Recycling, Reduce Contamination

Behavior Change Research Shows How to Spur Consumer Recycling, Reduce Contamination

Published Online: 2022

Written by: Scott Green, Gina Miklasz, Colleen Woodruff

"The frustrating sight of recyclables bagged up or the wrong items present in a recycling bin is becoming increasingly common. While 85 percent of US consumers strongly believe in recycling, contamination (i.e., unacceptable materials in the recycling stream) is plaguing the US recycling system as it can slow down the sortation process, lead to rejected loads and result in dirty bales that are less valuable. Getting people’s behavior to better align with their values is critical to a healthy recycling system. This article seeks to fill a gap in the literature by distilling various research that offers insights on how to achieve more and correct recycling. ..."

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