LIVERPOOL City Council is calling on residents to help shape the future of recycling in the City by taking part in a new public survey. 

The initiative is part of research being carried out by the Council in partnership with Influential – a local research and marketing agency, aimed at understanding how residents dispose of their rubbish and identifying ways to increase recycling rates. 

Recycling rates in Liverpool are 1 of the lowest in the country, currently standing at just 17.9%, despite figures showing that nearly 1/5 of waste thrown in the purple bin could be recycled in the blue bin.

Additionally, waste collection and processing accounts for approximately 9% of the City’s total carbon emissions. 

A new Recycling and Waste Strategy, launched by the Council earlier this year, highlighted the importance of improving recycling and waste habits across the City and the positive impact that these changes will have on the environment.

1 major change coming to residents across the City is the introduction of a new, weekly food waste collection in addition to the regular purple and blue bin schedule. The service will become mandatory across England by April next year.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said:- “A huge amount of what ends up in our purple bins could be recycled or composted. Making small changes to our waste habits can have a real impact on our environment and Liverpool’s carbon footprint. By taking part in this survey, residents can help us to understand the barriers people face when it comes to recycling more and shape a campaign that supports everyone to recycle more and waste less. Together, we can make small changes that have a big impact.” 

In the meantime, the Council is looking at ways to increase the number of correct materials thrown in the blue recycling bin.

Residents are now being encouraged to complete a short online survey to share their views and experiences with recycling at home.  

Interviewers will also be out in high-profile areas of the City over the next few weeks, speaking to residents about their views. 

The findings will be used to help shape a future recycling campaign, due to be launched across Liverpool later in the year. 

The Council has also recently cracked down on littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping after a resident survey found that they were top concerns for people living in the City.

In response, the Council has created a new internal environmental enforcement team, appointed an external provider for additional support and increased Fixed Penalty Notices for environmental offences.

As a result of these actions, requests to clean the City’s streets have decreased by 21%.

The recycling behaviour survey is open until:- Sunday, 25 July 2025, and can be accessed online.