The Plastic Recycling Myth: What Really Happens To Our Waste?

Plastic is a huge environmental and health issue. Plastic breaks down into tiny pieces and contaminates the ocean and our bodies. However, only a small percentage of plastic is actually recycled. In 2021, only about 6% of plastic produced in the US was recycled, and the global rate is only just under 10%. The problem is getting worse, with the amount of plastic actually turned into new things falling to around 5%.

The global plastic recycling rate is just under 10%

The low recycling rate of plastic is due in part to the fact that some plastic items are designed in ways that make them difficult to recycle. Recyclers also struggle to find people who want to buy recycled material. Additionally, residents toss in items that can't be recycled, such as plastic bags and clothes, which contaminate the recycling stream.

To increase the odds of your plastic being recycled, it is important to keep your bin free of contamination from food, dirt, or chemicals. It is also worth noting that the amount of plastic actually turned into new things has fallen to new lows of around 5%, and this number is expected to drop further as more plastic is produced.

Only 6% of plastic in the US was recycled in 2021

There are several reasons why so little plastic is recycled. One reason is that the rules for recycling vary from city to city, which can make it confusing for people to know what to do. Another reason is that some plastic items are designed in ways that make them difficult to recycle. For example, plastic bags can get tangled around the screens at recycling plants and have to be physically cut off. Additionally, recyclers may struggle to find people who want to buy recycled material.

To improve the odds of your plastic being recycled, it is important to keep your bin free of contamination from food, dirt, or chemicals. It is also worth noting that some plastic ends up being part of a global trading network for plastic waste, with criminals getting involved too.

Plastic bags are a particular problem for recycling centres

On average, Eco-Cycle has to throw away about 10% of the recycling it collects because residents toss in items that can't be recycled, including plastic bags. This is a common issue for recycling centres, as plastic bags are often contaminated with food, dirt, or chemicals, making them difficult to recycle.

Another challenge is that plastic bags are made from a type of plastic that is not always accepted by recyclers. Some recycling centres only accept certain types of plastic, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and plastic bags are often made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) or other types of plastic that are not as widely recycled.

Additionally, plastic bags are lightweight and can easily blow away from recycling centres, causing litter and pollution in the surrounding area. They can also get caught in trees, fences, and other structures, creating an eyesore and a hazard for wildlife.

Overall, plastic bags present a unique set of challenges for recycling centres, and their impact on the environment is significant. While it is important to recycle as much plastic as possible, plastic bags continue to be a problem that requires innovative solutions.

Some plastic items are designed in ways that make them difficult to recycle

It is estimated that only 6% of plastic produced in the US in 2021 was recycled, according to a Greenpeace report. This is a stark contrast to the recycling rate of paper, which stands at 68%. The low recycling rate of plastic can be attributed to several factors, including the design of plastic items that makes them difficult to recycle.

Some plastic items are designed in ways that hinder their recyclability. For instance, plastic bags are a common source of frustration for recyclers like Eco-Cycle, as they can get tangled in recycling machinery, requiring manual removal. This not only slows down the recycling process but also results in a significant portion of recyclable material being discarded.

Another challenge posed by the design of plastic items is the difficulty in separating different types of plastic. Plastic products often consist of multiple types of plastic resins, which are challenging to separate during the recycling process. This is particularly true for products with complex shapes or multiple components, such as children's toys or electronic devices. As a result, recyclers may opt to discard these items rather than invest time and resources into separating the different plastics.

Additionally, some plastic items are manufactured with additives or coatings that make them difficult to recycle. For example, plastic containers with grease-resistant coatings or plastic packaging with metallic coatings can be challenging to process in traditional recycling facilities. These coatings may contaminate the recycled plastic stream or render the material unrecyclable, leading to increased waste.

The recyclability of plastic items is also influenced by their colour. While clear or white plastics are generally more recyclable, coloured plastics often contain dyes or pigments that can complicate the recycling process. Dark-coloured plastics, in particular, may not be detectable by optical sorting machines, leading to them being missed during the sorting stage and ultimately ending up in landfills.

Furthermore, the design of some plastic items may hinder their recyclability by making them difficult to clean or prepare for recycling. For instance, plastic containers with narrow necks or complex shapes can be challenging to clean thoroughly, leaving behind food residue or chemicals that can contaminate the recycling stream. As a result, recyclers may reject these items to avoid contamination in the final recycled product.

Recycling rates vary depending on the material, with 68% of paper being recycled

Recycling rates vary depending on the material. Paper has the highest recycling rate, with 68% of it being recycled. However, only about six percent of the plastic produced in the U.S. in 2021 was recycled, according to a Greenpeace report. This is because some plastic items are designed in ways that make them difficult to recycle, or recyclers struggle to find people who want to buy recycled material. On a global scale, just under 10% of plastic is recycled, with some estimates putting the figure as low as 5%.

The low recycling rate of plastic is an issue for the environment and human health, as plastic breaks down into microscopic pieces and contaminates the ocean and our bodies. One way to improve recycling rates is to ensure that your bin is free of contamination from food, dirt, or chemicals, as these can make items unrecyclable.

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