Consumer Perceptions of Product Recyclability for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

As new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies take effect this year, the demand for recyclable products compatible with municipal recycling systems is growing. In response, recycling programs are being streamlined and communications about product recycling is increasing. Companies that sell products across multiple states will need to prioritize materials that are widely accepted and easily processed within these evolving systems. At the same time, consumers will be expected to take a more active role in identifying and properly recycling the products they use. This research explores how consumers understand and evaluate recyclability. Participants were presented with sets of six drinking cups, each made from a different material: various polymers, aluminum and glass. The materials used in the cups were derived from petroleum, corn, sugar, trees, ore, and sand. Participants assessed the cups based on six qualitative design strategies for sustainability, including recyclability. The study compares perceived sustainable attributes across the different materials and highlights the interplay between material composition and consumer perceptions of recyclability. A key finding reveals that plant-based polymers are often perceived as more recyclable than petroleum-based polymers. These insights can inform product design and policy implementation aimed at improving recycling outcomes and consumer engagement.