Recycling Tracker survey in Wales: Spring 2024

The Recycling Tracker survey uses boost sampling in Wales to provide a robust, enhanced sample of Welsh citizens. Fieldwork was undertaken online, from 21 March – 5 April 2024. A total of 1,003 adults in Wales were interviewed who have responsibility for dealing with the rubbish and recycling in the home. The sample set quotas on age, gender and region to closely represent the nation’s population.

Key findings

• Social norms: A third (33%) of Welsh citizens perceive a strong social norm for recycling, with an average score of 7.8 out of 10. However, this has slightly declined since 2019 (8.1), although citizens who recall "Be Mighty" maintain higher norms (8.2).
• Recycling participation is high: 96% of Welsh citizens regularly recycle at home, outperforming the UK average of 90%.  
• Contamination: 86% of citizens place non-recyclable items in recycling bins, slightly above the UK average of 82%. Common contaminants include drinking glasses (38%) and plastic toys (23%).
• Missed capture: Almost half (47%) of citizens dispose of recyclable items in general rubbish, increasing to 79% when glass perfume bottles are included.
• Inaccuracy is exacerbated by knowledge gaps: Only 12% of Welsh citizens feel "very confident" about what can and can’t be recycled, a significant drop from 25% in 2015. Confusion persists around items like foil pouches and plastic wrapping film.
• Communications are vital in boosting confidence: 85% of those who received council recycling information reported higher confidence in their knowledge. Recognition of key logos like ‘Wales Recycles’ increase from 30% in 2023 to 36% in 2024, and ‘Be Mighty’ from 4% to 11%.
• Trust in Council services: 78% of respondents trust their council’s recycling processes, but 22% still express doubts, which can undermine motivation to recycle.
• Food waste recycling: 80% of citizens with access to food waste recycling use the service, with 62% considered efficient recyclers. However, 15% have access but don’t use it, and only 48% know what happens to food waste after collection.
• Workplace recycling awareness: Following new 2024 legislation, 76% of Welsh workers have noticed changes in workplace waste disposal systems, but 36% remain unaware of the new regulations.