The Every Can Counts initiative yesterday (8 December) released its recent survey results, which reveal Europe’s need for better recycling infrastructure and more education for consumers.

The findings of the survey, which was carried out in collaboration with LUCID polling agency, show that the majority of respondents (93 per cent) want to see more recycling bins on the streets, in public spaces, parks, beaches, or on trails.

This figure rises to 94 per cent when people were asked about large events such as festivals or sporting events, and 90 per cent of respondents also said that these events should only use recyclable packaging for drinks.

This reflects the survey’s findings on the barriers to successful recycling, which reveals confusion over recycling outside of the home.

While 83 per cent of respondents said that they always or often recycle drinks packaging in the recycling bin when at home, it was revealed that only 54 per cent continue this behaviour in the workplace, falling to 49 per cent when out and about, and 48 per cent in outdoor locations such as parks and beaches.

This suggests that people want to recycle, but lack the knowledge to do it effectively – the survey reveals a lack of public awareness of aluminium’s 74.5 per cent recycling rate, with two-thirds of respondents believing the figure to be below 50 per cent.

Awareness of aluminium’s circular properties was similarly low, with only 55 per cent of respondents correctly identifying the material as infinitely recyclable.

In terms of what happens to recyclables after leaving the home or office, where they are going to be recycled, what happens to the materials after recycling, and especially how much of the waste actually gets recycled, respondents admitted they are not well-informed and would like to know more.

Recyclability plays an important role in consumer behaviour, however, as the survey reveals that the majority of respondents (54 per cent) preferred to purchase drinks cans because they are easily recyclable – the strongest motivation when compared to others, such as whether packaging is light, easy to transport, can be opened on the go, and can be stored easily. Additionally, 94 per cent said that companies should use packaging that is infinitely recyclable.

Respondents also expressed favourable views towards incentives to reducing the environmental footprint of drinks packaging such as a reward system for recycling, improved labelling information, better signage, and harmonised rules and sorting instructions at least at country level.

Every Can Counts Europe Director, David Van Heuverswyn, said: “Most respondents are ready to do more when it comes to sorting and recycling the drink cans they consume out of home, but proper recycling and collection solutions are often too scarce.

“Collecting and recycling drink cans could be made easier in a number of cases, it can even be fun just as our European initiative shows, but it certainly makes a lot of sense as aluminium cans are made from a fully circular and permanent material that makes them the most valuable and recycled drink packaging.”