Older people recycle more but anyone can make mistakes

A recent survey has found half of over 65s voted the recycling bin as the most essential item in their house as opposed to one third of 25 to 44 year olds.

The survey, conducted by the Swedish company Clas Ohlsn also found that married couples are more likely than singles to recycle diligently. It is to do with being responsible for running a household, said Sorella le Var of the Women's Institute.

Ms le Var said: "It is about responsibility to the planet and the next generation which comes with being a mother."

The sense of responsibility continues but anyone can make mistakes when recycling. Two weeks ago a 95-year-old lady conscientiously washed 15 tins for recycling and then accidentally put a butter container in the green bag instead of the black one. Council refuse workers put a notice on her recycling bin, saying that mixing up recycling can lead to prosecution!

Swansea Council apologised to the embarrassed lady who said: "To me it's ridiculous. It has put all of us off recycling."

A spokeswoman for charity Age Cymru said: "We know that older people in general are excellent at recycling in many ways and it would be a shame to think that because of her mistake in sorting her waste, this lady and her family are put off from doing so in the future."

What's this?