The Plastic Recycling Myth: Yearly Reality Check

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with humans producing more than 141 million tons of plastic packaging every year. While efforts to curb plastic pollution are growing, recycling practices are falling short. In 2018, the plastic recycling rate in the United States was 8.7%, and in 2021, this had dropped to around 5%. The UK recycles just 17% of its annual plastic waste, while the Republic of Ireland and Germany lead the way in the EU, with 20.70 kg and 19.98 kg of plastic waste recycled per capita each year, respectively. Despite these efforts, plastic production continues to increase, and recycling rates in some parts of the world have plateaued.

The United States recycles 5-8.7% of its plastic

The United States recycles only 5-8.7% of its plastic each year. This is a very low rate, especially when compared to the amount of plastic produced each year, which is about 430 million tons.

The low recycling rate in the US is due to a shortage of the costly infrastructure that is required. Kate Bailey, chief policy officer with the Association of Plastic Recyclers, says that the biggest problem is the lack of infrastructure, especially in rural areas. She states that "the further you get from large cities, the less recycling there is, because rural areas can't afford it". This highlights the need for more state and federal incentives to build an infrastructure for collection.

The majority of "recycling" involves grinding up plastic, melting it down, and re-forming it. However, this process is not always effective in reducing plastic waste. In fact, it can even contribute to the creation of microplastics, which have a negative impact on the environment and human health.

It is important to note that recycling rates are measured differently across the world, making it difficult to compare global recycling levels. Some reports measure plastic recycling rates per capita, some by weight, and others only record particular types of plastic. Despite these variations, it is clear that the US has a long way to go in terms of increasing its plastic recycling rate.

The UK recycles 17% of its plastic

The UK recycles just 17% of its plastic waste. This is a shockingly low figure, especially when compared to other countries. For example, the Republic of Ireland recycles 20.70 kg of plastic waste per capita each year, and Germany recycles 19.98 kg per capita annually.

The UK's low recycling rate is likely due to a variety of factors, including a lack of infrastructure and incentives to recycle, particularly in rural areas. It is also important to note that recycling rates are measured differently across the world, making it difficult to make direct comparisons between countries.

Despite the UK's low recycling rate, efforts to curb plastic pollution are growing. Consumers, brands, and governments are all working to reduce plastic waste and increase recycling rates. However, these efforts do not always go far enough, and existing recycling practices are often falling short.

One way to increase the UK's plastic recycling rate is to invest in more infrastructure for collection, particularly in rural areas. This could include providing more recycling bins in public spaces and offering incentives for people to recycle, such as discounts or rewards. Additionally, the UK could look to countries like the Republic of Ireland and Germany for best practices in plastic recycling and work to implement similar measures.

Overall, while the UK's plastic recycling rate of 17% is low, there are steps that can be taken to improve it. By investing in infrastructure, educating the public, and implementing best practices, the UK can work towards reducing its plastic waste and improving its environmental impact.

Ireland and Germany are the EU's leaders in plastic recycling

Ireland has been acknowledged for its "inter-trade" within Europe to ensure plastic is recycled. In 2020, 115 of Ireland's "industry leaders" diverted a total of 16,100 tonnes of plastic packaging waste from the Irish market. These companies reduced their plastic usage by 14.8% on average and used over 21,000 tonnes of recycled plastics in the production of their packaging and raw materials in 2019.

Germany is also a leader in recycling and has a solid waste management system. However, it is one of Europe's biggest producers of packaging waste.

Recycling rates are measured differently across the world

In 2018, the plastic recycling rate in the United States was 8.7%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, an NGO report claimed that this had dropped to around 5% in 2021. This decrease may be partly attributed to the global pandemic, as plastic pollution increased during this time.

The UK recycles just 17% of its annual plastic waste. In comparison, the Republic of Ireland and Germany, the EU's biggest leaders in plastic recycling, recycle 20.70 kg and 19.98 kg of plastic waste per capita each year, respectively.

Despite efforts by consumers, brands, and governments to curb plastic pollution, existing recycling practices are falling short. The further away from large cities, the less recycling there is, due to a lack of infrastructure and incentives.

Plastic pollution increased during COVID-19

Plastic pollution increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a drop in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The increased demand for protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, and other single-use products exacerbated plastic pollution in the environment. Imports of face masks and gloves into the European Union more than doubled during the first half of the pandemic, and the EU's domestic production was also growing.

The pandemic also led to an increase in plastic pollution in water bodies, with pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and oil spills being the most hazardous contaminants in aquatic environments. Studies have shown that the quantity of microplastics in surface water increased during the pandemic compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. For example, the concentration of microplastics in Iran's surface water increased from 0.000042 Particles/m3 in 2016 to 0.246 Particles/m3 in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the exact amount of plastic recycled each year is difficult to determine due to varying measurement methods, it is estimated that only a small percentage of plastic is recycled globally. In 2018, the plastic recycling rate in the United States was 8.7%, and an NGO report claimed that this dropped to around 5% in 2021. The Republic of Ireland and Germany are leaders in plastic recycling in the EU, with rates of 20.70 kg and 19.98 kg of plastic waste recycled per capita each year, respectively. In comparison, the UK recycles just 17% of its annual plastic waste.

The low recycling rates can be attributed to a shortage of costly infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. To improve recycling rates and reduce plastic pollution, more state and federal incentives are needed to build an infrastructure for collection.

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