Alexei Volkov
ABC News' investigative documentary 'Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling' is available to stream on Hulu. The documentary investigates the effectiveness of the US plastic bag recycling system and its impact on communities near landfills and incinerators. The ABC News team used hidden tracking devices to follow three plastic bags dropped off at Walmart recycling bins in the US to controversial plastic facilities in Southeast Asia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Documentary | Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling |
| Produced by | ABC News |
| Availability | Hulu (Free Trial) |
| Subject | Investigation into the effectiveness of the U.S. plastic bag recycling system and its impact on communities near landfills and incinerators |
| Investigation Techniques | Involving hidden tracking devices to follow 3 plastic bags dropped at Walmart recycling bins in the U.S. to plastic facilities in Southeast Asia |
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What You'll Learn
ABC News' investigation
ABC News conducted a groundbreaking investigation into the effectiveness of the U.S. plastic bag recycling system and its impact on communities near landfills and incinerators. The investigation, titled 'Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling', employed hidden tracking devices to follow the journey of 3 plastic bags dropped off at Walmart recycling bins in the U.S. to controversial plastic facilities in Southeast Asia.
The investigation revealed the often-unknown fate of plastic bags that Americans believe are being recycled. By following the path of these plastic bags, ABC News exposed the shortcomings of the U.S. plastic bag recycling system and how it contributes to environmental issues globally. The investigation also shed light on the effects of landfills and incinerators on nearby communities, highlighting the potential health and environmental risks they face.
'Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling' is an important exposé that raises awareness about the complexities of plastic recycling and the need for more effective solutions. It encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with plastic and its impact on the planet. The investigation is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to address the issues surrounding plastic waste and recycling systems.
The documentary is available for streaming on Hulu, offering viewers an opportunity to learn more about the hidden life of plastic recycling and the steps they can take to mitigate the negative impacts of plastic waste. With plans starting at $0.99/month for 12 months, Hulu provides an accessible way for people to access this insightful investigation and other popular TV shows and movies.
By bringing attention to the often-overlooked aspects of plastic recycling, ABC News' investigation contributes to a growing global conversation about the environmental and societal impacts of plastic waste. It prompts viewers to reflect on their consumption habits and the long-term consequences of plastic use, encouraging a more sustainable and responsible approach to managing plastic waste.
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Tracking plastic bags
In May 2023, ABC News published an investigation into the fate of plastic bags dropped off at recycling bins in the US. The investigation involved placing tracking devices in plastic bags to see if they were truly being recycled. ABC News and nine ABC stations assembled 46 bundles of recyclable plastic bags, each containing a tracking device, and dropped them off at Walmart and Target locations across ten states.
The trackers were super-glued and wrapped inside multiple layers of clean plastic bags. ABC News monitored each tracker's location multiple times a day for months. The trackers pinged whenever they were near a compatible digital or mobile device.
The results of the investigation were concerning. Of the 46 trackers, only four pinged at facilities that recycle plastic bags. Seven trackers last stopped pinging at transfer stations that do not recycle or sort plastic bags, and three others could not be accounted for. Six trackers last pinged at the stores where they were left, and three were shipped to Southeast Asia.
The investigation raised questions about the effectiveness of America's recycling streams for plastic bags and the role of retailers in properly disposing of plastic waste. ABC News also highlighted the impact of living near landfills and incinerators on nearby communities, particularly low-income and minority groups.
The full investigation, titled "Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling," can be streamed on Hulu with a free trial.
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Southeast Asian plastic facilities
Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are major recipients of plastic waste from developed nations, particularly after China's ban on plastic waste imports in 2018. This has led to a surge in plastic pollution in the region, with Southeast Asia becoming a significant contributor to global plastic pollution.
The influx of plastic waste has resulted in the rapid development of recycling facilities in Southeast Asia, many of which are privately run and located in urban areas. However, these facilities often lack adequate regulations and face challenges due to the dirty nature of the waste, requiring additional sorting and separation processes.
In response to the plastic waste crisis, Southeast Asian governments have implemented various policies and regulations to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. For example, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have restricted plastic waste imports and imposed bans on single-use plastics and non-biodegradable plastic bags.
Additionally, countries like Vietnam and the Philippines have introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, mandating companies to reduce waste and implement sustainable packaging solutions. Indonesia has also set ambitious targets for reducing marine plastic litter and packaging waste, with several provinces banning single-use plastic bags.
The ABC News documentary "Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Exports," available on Hulu, investigates the journey of plastic bags dropped off at Walmart recycling bins in the U.S. to controversial plastic facilities in Southeast Asia. It sheds light on the impact of plastic waste on communities and the environment in the region.
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US plastic bag recycling
Plastic bag recycling is a contentious issue in the US, with many states and communities implementing bag bans or bag taxes. However, there are also a number of US retailers that offer bag recycling collections in their stores, including Kroger, Safeway, Target, and Walmart. These retailers usually have bins located near the front entrance.
There are a few ways to recycle plastic bags in the US. One way is through Store Drop-off programs, where consumers can collect and save qualifying plastic films and bring them to stores to be recycled. The plastic films are then baled and sold to independent companies to be turned into tiny plastic pellets, which can be used to create new products such as synthetic lumber for decking or park benches, or recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form. To determine if your plastic bag can be recycled through Store Drop-off programs, look for the How2Recycle label. Most plastic bags are made of #2 or #4 plastic and can usually be recycled at Store Drop-off locations.
Another option for recycling plastic bags is through specialty recyclers, which offer subscription services for a monthly fee in select municipalities. Additionally, certain communities may provide flexible film collection bins in public parking lots or community centers.
It is important to note that plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling bins as they can cause contamination and are a nightmare for the machinery at recycling centers. Instead, look for recycling locations near you using resources such as the Recycling Search by entering your ZIP code.
To ensure effective recycling, it is important to clean plastics by wiping them with a dry cloth to remove any residue. This helps prevent contamination of other materials during the recycling process.
For those interested in learning more about plastic bag recycling in the US, Hulu offers a documentary titled "Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling" as part of their streaming service. This ABC News investigation provides insight into the US plastic bag recycling system and its impact on communities near landfills and incinerators.
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Hulu streaming
Hulu is offering a free trial to watch ABC News' investigative documentary "Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling." The documentary investigates the effectiveness of the U.S. plastic bag recycling system and its impact on communities near landfills and incinerators.
The ABC News investigation uses hidden tracking devices to follow three plastic bags dropped off at Walmart recycling bins in the U.S. to controversial plastic facilities in Southeast Asia. The documentary reveals the truth about the plastic recycling process and the fate of these plastic bags.
Hulu is currently offering a free trial to watch "Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling" and other popular TV shows and movies, including new releases, classics, and Hulu Originals. With the free trial, viewers can stream thousands of shows and movies, with plans starting at $0.99/month for 12 months. After the initial 12 months, the plan auto-renews at $9.99/month.
In addition to the free trial, Hulu also offers a discounted bundle with Disney+. For a limited time, new subscribers can get Hulu and Disney+ (both with ads) for $2.99/month for the first year, saving 72% per month. This offer is valid until December 2, 2024, and allows users to stream "Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling" and a variety of other content on two popular streaming platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
You can watch 'Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling' on Hulu.
Yes, Hulu offers a free trial for new and eligible returning subscribers.
'Trashed: The Secret Life of Plastic Recycling' is an ABC News investigation into the effectiveness of the U.S. plastic bag recycling system and its impact on communities near landfills and incinerators.
