UK couples clash over recycling habits as much as bin duties, finds new study
New research has found 15% of couples have bickered over recycling and a third of those who argue about it do so as often as once a week - here are the top 10 things they bicker about
A new source of disagreement has emerged in households: recycling. A survey of 2,000 couples living together found that while common arguments revolve around cooking, doing the laundry, and taking out the rubbish, recycling has become a surprising point of contention. The research revealed that 15% of couples regularly argue about recycling, with a third of those admitting these disagreements occur as often as once a week.
For 23%, they admitted such disputes have escalated into more serious arguments, with 15% going an entire day or longer without speaking to their partner as a result. The most common recycling disagreements among couples include putting items in the wrong bin, not rinsing out plastic containers, and leaving empty toilet rolls in the bathroom.
However, 28% often suspect their partner deliberately gets the recycling wrong just to wind them up. Others attribute it to laziness, or simply because they think their method is better. A third of respondents feel their views on the importance of recycling differ from their partner's.
Chris Latham-Warde at, non-profit recycling programme, Every Can Counts, who commissioned the research said: 'There is lots to remember when it comes to recycling, including what goes in each coloured bin and which day to put the bin out.
'So while it's not surprising that couples find themselves quarrelling on the topic, it also shows how many people care about getting it right, which is so important given all the benefits of recycling for our planet."
Encouragingly, the study also revealed that 73% of households have a system in place for their bins and 79% feel well-informed about the guidelines in their local area.
In honour of Earth Day, Every Can Counts highlighted the importance of recycling with its unique 'CANvas' artwork unveiled at the annual Egg Rolling event in Preston - as well as hitting the streets to quiz passersby on their own recycling habits.
Chris commented: 'We hope to encourage worldwide action to help protect not only our precious planet but also our futures.
'It was great to attend the popular Egg Rolling event in Preston, revealing the impressive artwork designed by local mural artist, Shawn Sharpe, and quizzing the public on their recycling habits, hopefully solving a few domestic arguments along the way.'
TOP 10 DISAGREEMENTS OVER RECYCLING
Putting things in the wrong bin
Leaving empty toilet rolls in the bathroom rather than in the recycling
Not washing out things properly before recycling
Piling food into the kitchen caddy so it overflows rather than emptying it and replacing with a new bag
Leaving dirty pots and plastic out for me to clean
Putting food waste in the regular bin
Leaving recycling on or next to the bins rather than in them
Whose turn it is to take the recycling out
Not folding cardboard properly
Whether greasy pizza boxes can be recycled
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