A cognitive bias may explain why a more environmentally friendly solution can partly encourage additional consumption. When recycling becomes easier, people may perceive the environmental impact of their consumption and waste generation as less significant, according to a joint study by Corvinus University of Budapest and Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). 

Researchers Zalán Márk Maró and József Ráti analysed data from 93 Hungarian municipalities between 2012 and 2023. Their findings were published in the September 2026 issue of the journal Environmental Challenges. The researchers compared municipalities operating a door-to-door, two-bin recycling system (for paper and plastic) with those where no such system was available and households were provided only with general municipal waste collection. 

During the pandemic, municipalities with separate recycling systems generated an average of 11.76 kilograms more separately collected waste per resident per year. Larger cities generally recorded above-average figures. In Budapest, the additional amount was 12.13 kg per person, compared with 12.45 kg in Pécs and 12.22 kg in Debrecen. Miskolc recorded a slightly below-average figure of 11.71 kg, while Szeged and Győr generated an additional 11.81 kg and 12.15 kg per person, respectively. 

Meanwhile, the amount of mixed municipal waste did not change significantly in statistical terms. This suggests that at least some of the additional recyclable waste may have been added to existing waste volumes rather than replacing mixed waste, potentially increasing overall waste generation. 

“Making separate waste collection more convenient may initially seem like an obvious environmental benefit, but it can also unintentionally encourage overconsumption. That is why recycling systems should be complemented by communication measures and behavioural incentives to ensure that the total amount of waste actually decreases,” said Zalán Márk Maró, lead author of the study and Assistant Professor at Corvinus University. 

According to the researchers, possible measures include waste collection fees based on the amount of waste generated, restrictions on single-use packaging, and targeted information campaigns encouraging waste prevention.