09.06.08

A study carried out in Peterborough in July 2000 and July 2001 found that the amount of income brought into a household can affect recycling habits.

Dr Christine Thomas who conducted the study says: “Our findings suggested that in less affluent neighbourhoods the quality (as well as the extent) of participation was reduced significantly. The reason why though is unclear one can only assume it is either lack of understanding, or lack of interest.”

But does living in a low income family affect attitudes towards recycling?

Sharon Dublin 43, is a single Mother who lives in a council owned home in Swindon says: “I don’t have time to recycle. There are many mums or single dads around here that do. We are being heavily encouraged by the council to participate in recycling but it is too time consuming and doesn’t appeal to me. I have three boys aged 15, 13 and nine and they keep me on my toes. To be honest we are able to manage without recycling because we only fill up our provided waste bin on a fortnightly basis. I’m not sure you could encourage me to recycle more I play mum and dad in this house and I don’t really have time to think about it.”

It appears convenience plays a part in motivation to recycle.

Edward Carter 36 a single father in the same area says: “Yea I recycle. A lot of the neighbours do now because the council won’t pick it up less it is in the right bins. I suppose it keeps the estate a bit cleaner and it doesn’t take that much longer then just throwing it out.”