Plastic Wrap Landfills: A Growing Environmental Concern

Plastic wrap is a major contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. It is difficult to recycle and releases harmful chemicals when it ends up in landfills or incinerators. In 2018, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that American landfills received 27 million tons of plastic, with plastic waste increasing fivefold in the country between 1980 and 2018. Plastic resins are commonly used in packaging products, and the containers and packaging category accounted for over 14.5 million tons of plastic waste in 2018. Plastic wrap in landfills breaks down into microplastics, which can release toxic substances and contribute to environmental pollution. The fate of plastic in landfills, including potential degradation and environmental impact, remains a significant concern.

Plastic wrap is difficult to recycle

The difficulty in recycling plastic wrap lies in several factors. Firstly, it often comes into direct contact with food, which can lead to contamination during the recycling process. Oily or wet food residues on plastic wrap can render it non-recyclable, as these substances can damage the recycling machinery. Therefore, any plastic wrap intended for recycling must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before disposal, which can be a cumbersome and time-consuming process for consumers.

Secondly, the thin and flexible nature of plastic wrap, similar to plastic bags, poses challenges for recycling. Unlike rigid plastics that can be easily sorted and processed, the soft and pliable nature of plastic wrap can cause it to get stuck in recycling machinery, leading to costly maintenance issues. As a result, most recycling centers are not equipped to handle this type of plastic. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure and the water-intensive nature of the process have hindered the development of plastic recycling facilities in the United States.

Lastly, the variety of plastic resins used in different brands of plastic wrap, such as Saran, Glad, or Stretch-Tite, further complicates the recycling process. Once the plastic wrap is out of its box, it becomes challenging to identify its specific type of resin, as there are no visible indicators on the product itself. This lack of standardization makes it difficult for consumers to know how to properly dispose of the wrap and contributes to contamination in recycling streams.

While some manufacturers claim that their plastic wrap is recyclable, the reality is that it is often too difficult and costly to recycle. As a result, the majority of plastic wrap ends up in landfills or incinerators, where it releases harmful chemicals and contributes to environmental pollution and plastic waste in the ocean. To address this issue, consumers can opt for reusable food wraps made from environmentally friendly materials or switch to alternative food storage methods such as glass containers or fabric bowl covers.

Plastic wrap releases harmful chemicals into the environment

Plastic wrap is a convenient and cheap way to keep food fresh for longer. However, it is a major contributor to the plastic pollution crisis, with 27 million tons of plastic wrap ending up in American landfills in 2018 alone. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that plastic wrap is extremely difficult to recycle due to its chemical composition, which can also release harmful chemicals into the environment.

Plastic wrap is made from various types of plastic, including polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE). These plastics contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health and the environment. For example, PVDC contains chlorine and has been shown to have cytotoxic effects on human cultured liver cells. PVC also contains chlorine and is made using vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. In addition, PVC can contain toxic elements such as lead and cadmium, as well as plasticizers like DEHA, which has been linked to hormone disorders and is a possible carcinogen.

When plastic wrap ends up in landfills or is incinerated, it releases dioxins, which are classified as persistent environmental pollutants by the World Health Organization (WHO). These chemicals can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contaminating soil and water sources. In addition, when plastic wrap breaks down in the environment, it can release microplastics and chemicals that can be harmful to human health. For example, a 2021 study found that DEHA triggered brain and heart injuries in rats, raising concerns about the potential risks to humans.

The use of plastic wrap also contributes to the larger problem of plastic waste in the ocean. Plastic food wrap and similar packaging, such as sandwich bags and candy wrappers, account for 46% of the 14 million metric tons of new plastic waste in the ocean each year. This plastic waste can have devastating effects on marine life and ecosystems, with the UN predicting that in 30 years, there will be less sea life than plastic in the world's oceans if behavior does not change.

To reduce the environmental impact of plastic wrap, consumers can switch to reusable and biodegradable alternatives, such as beeswax wraps made from organic cotton, natural beeswax, and plant oils. These wraps can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills and the ocean. Additionally, consumers can plan their meals more effectively to reduce the amount of leftover food that needs to be wrapped. By making these simple changes, individuals can help to protect the environment and reduce the harmful effects of plastic wrap on human health and ecosystems.

Plastic wrap contributes to the plastic pollution crisis

Plastic wrap is a major contributor to the plastic pollution crisis. It is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW) and is extremely difficult to recycle. In 2020, 5.3 million Americans used 10 or more rolls of plastic wrap annually, and the plastic wrap industry is booming, with over 100 brands available worldwide.

Plastic wrap is made from polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or polyethylene (PE)—all different kinds of plastic. These plastics contain harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, which has been linked to cytotoxic effects on human cultured liver cells. The manufacturing process for PVC also uses vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. When plastic wrap ends up in landfills or incinerators, it releases dioxins, which are classified as persistent environmental pollutants by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The problem is not limited to landfills. Plastic wrap also contributes significantly to marine plastic pollution. Scientists have found that PVC and PVDC are particularly effective at picking up bacteria and metals, which are then ingested by fish and other marine animals, leading to harmful effects. In addition, when plastic food wrap ends up in the sea, it contributes to the millions of metric tons of new plastic waste in the ocean each year.

The plastic pollution crisis is a complex issue that requires a range of solutions. Some companies are offering reusable food wraps made from environmentally friendly and organic materials such as beeswax and plant oils. These wraps can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated. However, manufacturers of plastic wrap argue that the infrastructure for collecting and recycling plastic waste needs to be updated and upgraded. They believe that with the right investments from the federal government, plastic wrap and other plastic films could be easily recycled.

Plastic waste has increased five-fold in the US since 1980

Plastic waste in the US has witnessed a significant surge, increasing five-fold since 1980. This issue has transformed the country into a major contributor to the escalating global plastic waste crisis. In 1980, the United States generated 7.4 million tons of plastic waste, but by 2018, this figure had skyrocketed to 35.7 million tons. The following year, in 2019, the estimated plastic waste generation in the US was 73 million metric tons, translating to more than 220 kilograms per person.

The surge in plastic waste can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the consumption of plastics in the US has risen sharply since the 1980s, with plastic usage more than tripling during this period. This increase in consumption has inevitably led to a corresponding rise in plastic waste. Secondly, there is a lack of efficient recycling infrastructure in the US, which has resulted in a stagnation of domestic plastic recycling rates. While recycling facilities are scarce, the country has relied heavily on exporting its plastic waste to other nations. However, this practice has faced challenges recently, as countries like China and many other Asian nations have imposed restrictions on accepting foreign waste.

The low recycling rates in the US are also influenced by the complexity of recycling certain plastics. For instance, plastic food wrap, commonly known as Saran Wrap or cling film, is challenging to recycle due to its composition of various plastic types, including polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE). These different plastics contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health, such as chlorine in PVDC and PVC. Additionally, the manufacturing process of PVC involves vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen.

The inability to effectively recycle plastic waste has resulted in a significant portion ending up in landfills. In 2021, it was estimated that of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the US, only about 5-6% (approximately 2 million tons) was recycled. Alarmingly, about 85% of the waste, amounting to 34 million tons, ended up in landfills, while the remaining 10% was incinerated. This trend is reflected in the data for 2018 as well, where landfills received 27 million tons of plastic, constituting 18.5% of all municipal solid waste (MSW) landfilled that year.

The environmental impact of plastic waste extends beyond landfills. When plastic food wrap is improperly disposed of, it contributes to the 14 million metric tons of new plastic waste polluting the ocean each year. This includes items such as sandwich bags, candy wrappers, and resealable storage bags. The presence of plastic waste in marine environments poses a significant threat to marine life, which is a pressing concern for Americans.

Plastic wrap ends up in landfills or incinerators

Plastic wrap is a major contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis. It is difficult to recycle, and when it ends up in landfills or incinerators, it can release harmful chemicals, including dioxins, which are classified as persistent environmental pollutants by the World Health Organization (WHO).

In 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that American landfills received a staggering 27 million tons of plastic. This is particularly concerning given that plastic can take up to 450 years to decompose fully. The problem is not isolated to the United States; plastic pollution is a global issue, and plastic waste has increased significantly worldwide. Between 1980 and 2018, the amount of plastic waste generated in the United States increased fivefold, from 7.4 million tons to 35.7 million tons.

The fate of plastic in landfills is a significant concern. There is currently no established method to determine whether plastic degrades, biodegrades, or remains unchanged. Degradation or biodegradation may have adverse effects, such as compromising the structural stability of landfills. Landfills are designed to prevent any exchange with the surrounding environment, but this does not always succeed. The breakdown of plastic in landfills can lead to the release of harmful volatile organic compounds and the formation and spread of microplastics. These microplastics can be transported by air and leachate, causing environmental contamination and potential harm to human health.

To address the problem of plastic wrap in landfills and incinerators, it is essential to reduce the use of single-use plastic products and improve recycling infrastructure and practices. Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives, as evidenced by the growing market for reusable food wraps. By switching to reusable and compostable options, individuals can play a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

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