The psychology behind why people don’t recycle can vary, but ultimately much of it comes down to motivation and convenience, according to market research firm, Ipsos. A 2011 study revealed that only half of adults recycle daily, and a third of respondents said they recycle even less often than that, while 13% said they never recycle. Taking the consumer into account has been overlooked in sustainability for too long, but many countries and companies are trying to change that.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s waste management is one of the most efficient in the world. Since banning landfills in the year 2000, the country doubled its recycling rate to 54%. National objectives aim to reach 60% this year.
How? Through a combination of effective policies and user experience. Switzerland has adopted a polluter pay principle, meaning citizens have to pay for throwing away garbage. Moreover, trash bags are taxed.
Many materials can be recycled: plastic, paper, glass, batteries, light bulbs, aluminum, clothing, electronics etc. Most of these items need to be collected and taken to material-specific recycling spots. But you’ll never have to go too far to find the right bin.
The bins are also well-designed. The signs are near-eye-level so you don’t have to struggle to see which bin is for what— a welcomed innovation. They are also consistently color coordinated, and many bins have a sign to explain what it’s collecting (e.g. plastic, paper) in multiple languages.
According to the World Economic Forum, Switzerland’s recycling rate ranks fifth globally.
South Korea
South Korea has one of the most intricate global recycling systems.But the user experience? Super clear, once you know what you’re looking for. It wasn’t always that way. South Korea has a population density 15 times more dense than the U.S. Seoul, the capital, is the largest megacity in the developed world. As such, they do not have the luxury of landfills. Garbage has to be disposed of or repurposed efficiently to take up as little space as possible.
Because of this space issue, for a long time there were no recycling bins or trash cans on the streets, which resulted in a huge litter problem. Now, there is a fine for people who don’t recycle and there are monetary rewards available for those who inform on those not properly recycling.
The main materials to be recycled in Korea are glass, plastic, paper, Styrofoam and aluminium. However, that’s not all. People are also expected to recycle large objects, like furniture and electronics, among other things.
The bins for all of these different recyclable materials are clearly laid out. Most residential areas have proper bins nearby. Then there’s your “regular” trash and compost. Trash has to be thrown out in the proper bins using specific bags.
Up until 2014, it was almost impossible to find waste bins that had room to throw things away. A local company, Ecube Labs, created a solution: an innovative trash can that compacts its contents using solar energy, reported Smart City Labs. Think of it like how at home, when a trash can fills up, you might step on it to compact the trash. This is the same concept, using a solar powered compressor. In 2014, 85 bins were installed. Since installation, recycling rates have increased by 46%.
To read the full story, visit https://weather.com/science/environment/news/2020-02-03-these-countries-top-the-charts-for-best-ux-in-recycling.
Author: Rachel Delia Benaim, The Weather Channel
Photo: Getty Images, The Weather Channel