Core Insights - The 2025 WM Recycling Report reveals a significant "say-do gap" between Americans' recycling intentions and actual behaviors, indicating that while many express a commitment to recycling, actual recycling rates are much lower [1][5][4] Consumer Behavior - A national survey shows that over 75% of Americans report recycling, yet only 32% of materials used are actually recycled according to EPA data [5] - Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Americans are more likely to purchase products from companies that use recycled content, with younger and higher-income consumers being the most responsive [5] - Over 81% of respondents would be more inclined to recycle if they knew their recycled materials were used to create new products [5] Corporate Influence - More than 70% of respondents notice when a business offers recycling options, and 48% consider a company's sustainability goals as a strong factor in their purchasing decisions [5] - Corporate recycling commitments significantly influence consumer purchasing habits, emphasizing the importance of companies using recycled content in their products [3][5] Emotional Connection - Recycling is associated with positive emotions such as satisfaction, optimism, and accomplishment, making it a "feel-good" habit for many Americans [5] Knowledge and Education - There is a notable knowledge gap regarding what happens to recycling after pick-up, with nearly 75% of people interested in learning more about the recycling process [5]