The Plastic Problem: Why Aren't We Recycling More?

Despite the many benefits of recycling plastic, only a small percentage of plastic waste is recycled globally. Plastic recycling is complex and challenging for several reasons. Firstly, not all plastics are recyclable due to their material properties; while thermoplastics can be melted and remoulded, thermoset plastics, used in products like electrical insulation and ropes, are difficult to recycle. Secondly, plastic contamination is a significant issue, as food residues and certain types of plastic, like polystyrene and PVC, can contaminate otherwise recyclable materials. Additionally, recycling processes are energy-intensive and costly, making it less economical to recycle certain plastics. Furthermore, the cheap production of new plastic and the lack of incentives for polymer producers to address the harm caused by plastic pollution contribute to the ongoing challenges of plastic recycling.

Plastic is cheap to make and profitable, so there is little incentive to use recycled plastic

Plastic is a cheap and profitable product to make, and this is a key reason why so much of it is not recycled. Plastic is made from oil and gas, and it is almost always less expensive and results in a better-quality product to simply start fresh. Plastic is also lightweight, which makes it less energy-intensive to transport than other food and beverage packaging materials. As a result, it is found everywhere, even in the most remote places.

The process of recycling plastic is time-intensive and costly. It involves collecting, sorting, cleaning, and melting down the plastic, and even then, it can only be reused once or twice before it degrades. The recycling process is also energy-intensive, and as additional steps are added, it becomes more expensive. For example, post-consumer selection and washing processes incur added costs.

Furthermore, the market for recycled plastic is limited. Recycled plastic is more expensive than new plastic, creating a competitive environment that discourages the use of recycled plastic. The variety of chemicals and additives used in plastic production makes it challenging to produce high-quality recycled plastic. Standardizing and simplifying the production process could help address this issue.

The profitability and ease of producing new plastic provide little incentive for companies to invest in recycling infrastructure or purchase recycled plastic. This contributes to the ongoing challenge of addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

Some plastics are not recyclable due to their material properties

The world produces about 359 million metric tons of plastic annually, and 91% of this plastic is not recycled. While almost all plastic can be recycled in principle, there are several barriers that prevent this from happening in practice. One of the main reasons is that not all plastics can be recycled due to their material properties.

Plastics are broadly categorized into two types: thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. Thermoplastics, which make up about 75% of global plastic production, can be melted and molded multiple times to produce new plastics, making them, in theory, recyclable. On the other hand, thermoset plastics, which account for the remaining 25%, do not soften when heated and are thus nearly impossible to recycle. Examples of products made from thermoset plastics include electrical insulation, ropes, belts, and pipes. The difference in recyclability between these two types of plastics lies in how they are made; thermoset plastics contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds, while thermoplastics can be remelted and remolded.

The presence of food or oil residues on plastic items also affects their recyclability. Plastic containers with food or oil residue are often deemed unfit for recycling and end up in landfills or incinerators. Only good-quality, clean plastics are typically accepted for the recycling process. The recycling process is energy-intensive, and additional steps such as washing the plastics increase the cost, making it less financially attractive.

The linear economic model of producing, consuming, and disposing of goods also contributes to the issue of plastic waste. This model assumes endless economic growth without considering the planet's finite resources. As a result, the focus is often on producing new plastic rather than recycling existing material.

Plastic with food residue cannot be recycled

Plastic is one of the most complicated materials to recycle. There are several reasons why so much plastic goes un-recycled. Firstly, only a select few plastic types are widely collected and recycled from households. Secondly, even within a single category, different packaging types do not have the same physical and chemical properties, and so will not recycle equally. Finally, and most importantly for this discussion, plastic with food residue cannot be recycled.

Plastic with food residue on it or in it usually cannot be recycled. Only good-quality, clean plastics can go through the recycling process. This is because recycling facilities sort plastics according to their resin type, either manually or using mechanized automated processes. The presence of food residue makes it more difficult to sort plastics accurately. Additionally, food residue can contaminate the recycled plastic, reducing its quality and making it less valuable.

Sometimes a recycling factory will perform the washing for consumers, but most times the plastic is deemed useless, lumped with the other trash, and thrown in a landfill or an incinerator. Recycling is an energy-intensive process that becomes more costly as additional steps such as post-consumer selection and washing are added. The new plastic is still relatively cheap to produce and creates a competitive environment in which added costs to the process make recycled plastic significantly more expensive.

Furthermore, the presence of food residue can attract pests and cause odors, creating additional challenges for storage and transportation. This is especially true for plastics with perishable food residue, which can spoil and cause sanitation issues.

While it is important to try to recycle plastic, it is crucial to ensure that it is free from food residue before placing it in a recycling bin. This can be achieved by scraping or rinsing the plastic to remove any remaining food or liquid. Some recycling centers may also have specific guidelines or requirements for preparing plastics for recycling, so it is always a good idea to check with your local recycling facility.

Different areas have different recycling schemes, causing confusion

The recycling process is often confusing for many people, and this confusion can lead to a decrease in recycling rates. Different areas have different recycling schemes, which can be a significant source of confusion for those who move to a new location or are unsure about their local recycling guidelines.

In the UK, for example, there are 39 different bin collection regimes across 391 local authorities, each with its own set of rules and requirements. This variation in recycling standards can cause confusion, especially when people move between areas or are unsure about their local guidelines. For instance, some areas may require plastic items to be washed or rinsed before recycling, while others may not. Similarly, some areas may require lids to be removed from containers, while others may specify that lids should be kept on.

The type of plastic accepted for recycling can also vary between areas. Some plastics, such as bread bags, crisp packets, and pet food pouches, may be accepted for recycling at large retailers or supermarkets but not through household recycling bins. This inconsistency can lead to "wishcycling," where people place non-recyclable items in recycling bins in the hope that they will be recycled.

The lack of standardised recycling guidelines across different areas can result in people making mistakes or choosing not to recycle at all due to uncertainty. To address this issue, individuals are advised to familiarise themselves with their local recycling programs and only purchase products that can be recycled. Additionally, it is recommended to separate recyclables by type and refer to local authority guidelines or websites for specific instructions.

The inconsistency in recycling schemes across different areas highlights the importance of clear and consistent communication regarding recycling practices. By providing accessible and accurate information, local authorities and organisations can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their waste management, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Recycling is energy-intensive and costly

Plastic recycling is still an important part of the picture, but as our recycling capacity is currently unable to handle the amount and types of plastic we are discarding, we need to look at other solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis.

Recycling is an energy-intensive and costly process. The new plastic is still relatively cheap to produce and creates a competitive environment in which added costs to the process make recycled plastic significantly more expensive. In countries where the price of electricity is high, it might be more profitable to incinerate plastic rather than recycle it.

The recycling process involves additional steps such as post-consumer selection and washing, which further increase costs. Plastic with food residues or oil residue usually cannot be recycled. Only good-quality, clean plastics can go through the recycling process. Sometimes a recycling factory will perform the washing, but most of the time, the plastic is deemed useless, lumped with other trash, and thrown in a landfill or an incinerator.

The energy consumption for recycling plastic varies as well. There are different types of plastic, but most plastic weakens each time you recycle it, so there is only so much of it that can be recycled. This means that the first few times you recycle plastic may conserve more energy than the last few times, because modifications have to be made to make it stronger the more you recycle it. Having to make modifications uses more energy, so once plastic has been recycled a certain number of times, it ends up being thrown away and replaced with new plastic.

Recycling is a crucial step to becoming more conscious of what happens to the waste we are creating. It saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch can be both labor-intensive and expensive to collect, move, and refine the natural resources needed. By using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

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