Recycling: responsibility of individuals or governments: IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay

Recycling reduces waste and saves natural resources, but there is disagreement about who should be responsible for it. Some believe that individuals should lead, whereas others argue that governments must take charge. In my opinion, both have a role, but governments are more important.

Those who favour individual responsibility point out that recycling begins at home. People decide what to throw away, whether to separate paper from plastic and whether to buy products with excessive packaging. If every household sorts its rubbish carefully, the amount of waste sent to landfill can fall dramatically. Individuals can also influence others by setting an example, especially in front of their children.

However, people can only recycle if the system makes it possible. Governments are responsible for providing separate bins, regular collection and recycling plants. They can pass laws that force companies to reduce packaging and use recycled materials, and they can fine those who dump waste illegally. In several countries, a deposit scheme for bottles has increased recycling rates quickly, which shows what good policy can achieve.

Public information campaigns also depend on government support, since they must reach everyone.

Education should not be overlooked either. Children who learn about recycling at school frequently teach their parents, and many families begin to sort waste because of their children's enthusiasm. Therefore, government investment in school programmes can change habits across a whole generation, and the effect lasts long after the lessons have finished.

In conclusion, individuals must make the daily effort, but without proper infrastructure and laws their efforts have limited effect, so I believe that governments should take the main responsibility.