SUN-STARVED Brits are planning an average of five barbecues this summer, generating a collective 4.5 billion pieces of plastic.
With hot spells ahead, research of 2,000 adults revealed nearly 1.4 billion cups, 1.35 billion pieces of cutlery and 1.3 billion straws will be used.
While over 200 million plastic meat trays are set to flood the UK recycling system in the summer months.
But a quarter don’t recycle barbecue food packaging because of unclear labels.
While 23 per cent are unsure how to recycle plastic meat trays, and 36 per cent don’t know where plastic recycling goes after it’s been disposed of.
Michael Orye, from packaging producer DS Smith, which commissioned the research, said: “Having so many different ways to recycle across the UK is simply confusing for everyone.
“And when more plastic hits the clunky UK recycling system, it can contaminate paper and card and creates waste, which drags down how much we can recycle.
“We’d ask that people do their best to follow their local recycling rules, but also that the new government marinate on the UK’s rickety recycling system and give it the renovation it needs, including separate collections for paper and card.”
It also emerged 14 per cent don’t recycle packaging because they are unsure of the recycling rules in their local area.
Last summer alone, DS Smith’s recycled paper mill had to process more than 2,600 tonnes of plastic which was contaminating paper and card – the equivalent of more than 850,000 black bin bags full.
Modelling carried out by the brand suggests that, based on the current pathway, the UK’s paper and card recycling rate could drop from 74 per cent to 56 per cent by 2030 due to contamination.
However, 17 per cent think fully recyclable packaging is the most important aspect when choosing what to buy for a barbecue and 49 per cent feel guilty if they ever buy plastic wrapped products for it.
And 55 per cent said sustainable packaging is important when it comes to which products to buy for their summer grilling, according to the OnePoll.com data.
Michael Orye, from DS Smith, added: “Barbecues are a staple of the Great British summer, but with people wanting to live more sustainable lifestyles, they also shine a light on waste.
“We know people have their best intentions when they recycle their plastic, but their efforts are becoming undone due to an under performing recycling system.”
