DS Smith Research Unveils Top 12 Harder to Recycle Items

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): A new research conducted at DS Smith Kemsley Paper Mill has revealed ‘Dirty Dozen’- the top 12 items that are harder to recycle, when part of mixed or paper recycling streams. The research was carried out in partnership with YoGov- the global market research and data company.

The most common items put in the recycling bin include junk mail (72%), food trays (38%), fruit trays (28%), soup cartons (21%) and crisp tubes (18%). The other items in the ‘Dirty Dozen’ are glittery gift wrap and greetings cards, padded envelopes, sandwich wrappers, insulated food delivery packaging, coffee bags/pouches, wax/silicon papers and fast food soft drink cups.

According to the survey, 48% of consumers think that packaging in the UK is not easily recyclable. Nearly two-thirds believe that there exists a lot of conflicting advice on recycling. Also, 60% say that the disposal instructions on items are hard to find.

Rogier Gerritsen, Managing Director, DS Smith Recycling said that the company is committed to boost the quality of recyclable products by designing packaging which reduces the number of different components used and contains labelling that is easy for customers to understand. It will continue to collaborate with customers and other industry partners to create a truly circular economy, he added.