Domestic waste: single men and recycling do not mix

JaneMarch 15, 2014

8 1 minute read

Sorting waste is part of our daily routine which is being adopted by more and more people. However, not everyone is embracing this practice with equal enthusiasm. The differences are notable between countries and within populations.

In 2010 in European households, an average of 35% of domestic waste was recycled. A promising trend, compared to previous years, that has inspired people in several European countries to commit even more to recycling regularly.

Concerned authorities have set a target to recycle 50% of waste by 2020. Some of the most advanced and environmentally-conscious countries in the European Union such as Sweden have already reached this percentage. Most countries, however, must make significant efforts to do so, particularly the case of Bulgaria and Romania.

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Besides the lack of homogeneity between countries, the difference is also reflected in the population. It became evident that couples recycle more than singles, and among single people, women pay more attention to sorting their waste than men.

According to a study in the UK, 79% of couples recycle their waste. 69% of single women and only 58% of single men recycle. This difference can be explained by the fact that usually in a couple, the woman sorts the waste while the man take the garbage out.

In conclusion, single men, singled out by this study, have a huge challenge ahead if they really want to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. A change of attitude is needed.