Nearly 70% of the UK population buy or use aerosols and, of those who do buy them, 73% are recycling, says a survey commissioned by the British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA).
According to BAMA, the survey – conducted by GFK NOP – shows that the “green credentials” of the aerosol sector have changed “dramatically” in the UK.
“Eighteen years ago, consumers would have found it difficult to recycle their empty aerosol cans as at that time just 7% of Local Authorities included aerosols,” the organisation says.
“Today, in part through the Association’s concerted campaign for change, over 87% of Local Authorities now accept empty aerosols for recycling.”
The survey also reveals that UK women buy slightly more aerosols (53%) than men (47%), and that while women are marginally better at recycling overall, it is the 35-54 age group who are the most enthusiastic recyclers, comprising nearly 40% of those aerosol buyers or users who recycle empty aerosols.
BAMA chief executive Dr John Morris says: “It’s very rewarding to see that our efforts, by creating campaigns via retailers, the media, consumers and Local Authorities, are working. We have been able to create a momentum for recycling aerosols.”
The BAMA research found that consumers recycle from all parts of the home, with the highest proportion coming from the bathroom (91%), with good recycling proportions also achieved from the bedroom (70%) and kitchen (78%).
However in the garage situation, around half of consumers forget to recycle empty aerosols (51%).
The most recycled products are personal care aerosols – a reflection of this being the largest sector of the industry.
Asked about the number of empty aerosols they recycle, half the survey respondents said they recycle between 1-5 products every three months, leaving “room for further improvement”, according to BAMA, as 80% of those buying or using aerosols, and who don’t recycle, said that they didn’t know how.
Dr Morris concludes: “Almost 30,000 tonnes of reclaimable metal are used in aerosols sold in the UK each year. This means empty aerosol recycling makes a valuable contribution to meeting Local Authorities’ required reduction in landfill.”
