Alexei Volkov
Plastic is one of the most popular and useful materials of modern times, with 300 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide each year. While most people are reusing and recycling their plastics, it is estimated that only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled into new plastic. The plastic recycling process is a downward spiral of waste and degraded materials, with many types of plastic still going to landfill, being incinerated, or transported abroad for recycling. Despite efforts to improve recycling rates, such as colour-coded bins and new chemical recycling methods, the economics of recycling are a mess, and it is unlikely that the problems with plastic pollution will be solved by recycling alone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycling plastic | Only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled into new plastic |
| Recycling symbols | Mobius loop, Green dot, "Widely Recycled", "Check Local Recycling" |
| Recycling plastic waste | 186 countries have passed measures to track and control the export of plastic waste to developing countries |
| Plastic recycling in the US | 8% of discarded plastics were recycled in 2017 |
| Plastic recycling in the UK | 99% of all UK local authorities offer collection facilities for plastic bottles |
| Plastic recycling in Oregon | Most plastic is thrown away |
| Plastic recycling in China | China no longer accepts most of the recycling from the US |
| Plastic recycling in the future | A new method of chemical recycling can take any old plastic back to its raw material – oil |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic recycling rates
Plastic is one of the most popular and versatile materials of modern times. Worldwide, we produce 300 million tonnes of plastic each year, and most people are reusing and recycling their plastics. However, the recycling rate of plastic is relatively low. In 2018, the recycling rate of plastic in the US was 8.7%, while in 2021, it fell further to between 5% and 6%. This is in contrast to paper, which is recycled at a much higher rate of 66% as of 2020.
The low recycling rate of plastic is due in part to the fact that not all types of plastic are recyclable. While some types of plastic, such as PET and HDPE bottles, are widely recycled, other types of plastic may be more difficult to recycle or may not be accepted by local recycling programs. Additionally, some plastic products may be labelled as recyclable when they are not, contributing to consumer confusion and further reducing the recycling rate.
The plastic industry has also been accused of greenwashing, or promoting the benefits of recycling to sell more plastic products, even though they knew that most plastic was not actually being recycled. Despite this, there are efforts being made to improve plastic recycling rates. For example, some supermarkets and retailers have started collecting a wider range of plastic bags and wrappings, and there is ongoing investment in technology to expand the scope of plastic materials that can be recycled.
Overall, while plastic recycling rates are currently low, there are steps being taken to improve them and reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.
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Plastic recycling methods
Plastic recycling is vital for managing waste and creating a more sustainable future. It supports a circular economy, reducing waste and reusing materials. While the plastic crisis has been known for decades, progress has been slow. However, there is growing awareness and advancements in technology, paving the way for more effective solutions.
There are two main types of plastic recycling methods: mechanical and chemical. Mechanical recycling is the traditional method that has been used for decades and is responsible for most plastic recycling globally. It uses grinding, washing, sorting, and reprocessing to repurpose plastic material. The plastic is then converted into products, substituting the need for virgin plastics. This method can recover a lot of plastic and give it a second or third life. However, it will eventually degrade the plastic quality to a point where it cannot be recycled further.
Chemical recycling, on the other hand, is a newer technology that can bring back material to its raw, high-quality state. It involves changing the chemical structure of polymers to create a raw material used to manufacture new products. There are three chemical recycling processes: pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization. Pyrolysis involves heating polymers without oxygen, breaking them down into smaller parts that behave like oil. This synthetic oil can then be used as feedstock in the petrochemical industry. Gasification is similar, but polymers are heated in the presence of oxygen and water, creating a mixture of gases (syngas) used as feedstock in the chemical industry. Finally, depolymerization cuts down polymers into monomers, creating a starting material for new plastics.
The recycling process generally involves three steps: collecting and separating recyclable materials, applying procedures to revert them into raw materials, and processing them into new products. To separate plastics, a method called the sink-float separator is used, where high-density plastic sinks in water, and low-density plastic floats. Sorting ensures a pure stream of material, and the final stage involves shredding or melting down the plastic into pellets or flakes before being sold to manufacturers.
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Plastic recycling myths
Plastic recycling is a critical component of waste management and environmental conservation. However, misconceptions and myths about the process are prevalent. Here are some of the common myths about plastic recycling:
All Plastics Can Be Recycled
This is a common misconception. In reality, not all plastics are recyclable, and even plastics that are technically recyclable may not be accepted by local recycling programs. The recyclability of plastics depends on several factors, including their type, condition, and the availability of specialised recycling facilities. With thousands of different types of plastics, each with unique characteristics, chemicals, additives, and colourants, it can be challenging to sort and process them effectively.
Recycling is the Sole Solution to the Plastic Waste Crisis
While recycling is an important part of waste management, it is not a standalone solution to the plastic pollution crisis. A multifaceted approach is necessary, including reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling technologies, and implementing systemic changes in waste management practices. Recycling alone cannot keep plastic out of landfills and the environment.
Recycled Plastics are Always of Lower Quality
Advancements in recycling technologies have improved the quality of recycled plastics. High-quality recycled plastics can now match or even exceed the performance of virgin materials in many applications. Recycled plastics can be used in a wide range of products, including shampoo bottles and fleece.
Recycling is Too Costly and Inefficient
Although recycling can have upfront costs, it offers long-term benefits such as resource conservation and environmental protection. Technological advancements and improvements in recycling infrastructure are making the process more cost-effective and efficient over time.
Small Items Can Be Recycled with Other Recyclables
Small items, such as plastic bottle caps, can be recycled, but they should be put back on the bottle before recycling to avoid being mistaken for broken glass during the sorting process. It's important to ensure that recyclables are empty and dry to prevent contamination and degradation of other materials.
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Plastic recycling symbols
There are 28 different recycling labels that can appear on plastic packaging. The most well-known is the mobius loop, or the three chasing arrows, which indicates that a product can technically be recycled. Sometimes, a number between one and seven is found within the arrows, which indicates the type of plastic resin used to make the product. LDPE, for example, is a flexible plastic denoted by the number four and used for plastic bags and wrapping. PP, on the other hand, is used for tubs and trays and is widely recycled. It is denoted by the number five.
Other symbols include the green dot, which indicates that the producer has contributed to a European recycling scheme. There are also labels that say "Widely Recycled" and "Check Local Recycling", which refer to the percentage of local councils that accept the packaging for recycling.
It is important to note that recycling symbols are not always accurate or reliable. In some cases, they may be used deceptively to make a product seem more environmentally friendly. For example, the chasing arrows symbol is often plastered on products that aren't recyclable at all, such as dog chew toys and inflatable swim rings. Additionally, the recycling industry has been accused of promoting recycling to sell more plastic, even if it wasn't true that the plastic could be recycled.
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Plastic recycling alternatives
Despite efforts to recycle plastic, the reality is that not all plastic is being recycled. In fact, the plastics industry has been accused of misleading the public about the recyclability of plastic products. As a result, there is a need to explore alternative solutions to address the plastic waste problem.
One alternative to recycling plastic is to reuse and repurpose plastic items as much as possible to reduce the need to create new plastic. For example, the milkman model, where milk bottles are delivered, collected, and reused, is making a comeback in Britain. Similar models are also emerging, such as zero-waste shops that encourage customers to bring their own containers and the increasing popularity of refillable cups and bottles.
Another alternative is to use natural materials instead of plastic. Natural cloth, such as organic cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo, can replace plastic bags and won't shed plastic fibers when washed. Wood from sustainably managed forests can be used for household items like cleaning brushes, kitchen utensils, and cutting boards, as well as tableware and drinking straws. Pottery and ceramics offer a stable and waterproof alternative for food storage and tableware.
Bioplastics, made from natural substances instead of petroleum, are being explored as a potential alternative to traditional plastics. However, it is important to note that most bioplastics do not break down in home composts, landfills, or the environment, and they can also contaminate municipal recycling programs when accidentally added to regular recycling.
Finally, waste-to-energy technology is being utilized in some countries to divert plastic waste from landfills and create energy. Burning plastic as a replacement for burning fossil fuels like coal can reduce emissions, but it is important to ensure that it is done in a controlled manner to minimize environmental impact.
The Intricate Process of Plastic Recycling
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic recycling is not very effective. National Geographic reports that about 91% of plastic does not get recycled and ends up in landfills. The plastic that does get recycled is downcycled, meaning it becomes less useful each time until it can no longer be recycled.
Plastic recycling faces several challenges. One major issue is the economics of waste management systems, where recycling often does not provide a sufficient return on investment. Additionally, there is a lack of proper handling and infrastructure for plastic recycling. The process of recycling plastic is also complex and often results in a downward spiral of waste and degraded materials.
There are several alternatives to plastic recycling that can help reduce plastic waste. These include reusable products, zero-waste shops that encourage customers to bring their own containers, and refillable cups and bottles.
To ensure your plastic waste is recycled, it's important to check with your local authorities or use online tools to determine which types of plastic they collect. Additionally, you can support companies that are committed to eliminating single-use plastics and incorporating recycled plastic into their products.
