Increasing Approval of Novel Recycling Technologies with Education: A Case Study of Multi-Material Plastic

Abstract

Plastic recycling is an important but complicated issue. Some plastics are currently readily recyclable with existing technologies, whereas others are not. However, the general public often does not appreciate the benefits and costs associated with hard-to-recycle (e.g., multi-material) plastics, potentially causing confusion and, in some cases, backlash. While some methods of relaying information to the public have been previously studied (e.g., infographics, descriptive labeling), educational videos have not. We created an educational video on the properties and functions of single- and multi-material plastic. Participants who viewed the educational video were more knowledgeable about multi-material plastic recycling and had higher intentions to use and be satisfied with a hypothetical recycling company that intends to begin recycling multi-material plastic. Our data suggest that education interventions have the potential to inform and empower the public while protecting common values.