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Why Your Recycling Doesn’t Always Get Recycled

Author: George Kiernan / Posted: 15th May 2024

Recycling systems are complex networks involving processes, policies, and human behaviours aimed at reducing waste and environmental harm. Despite considerable efforts, a significant portion of recyclable materials does not get processed as intended. Understanding the reasons behind these shortcomings provides insight into necessary future changes.

How much of recycling actually gets recycled?

Source: World Bank

Globally, recycling rates tell a mixed story. The World Bank reports that only 13.5% of waste is recycled worldwide. Specific materials show varying success rates, with about 58% of paper and cardboard being recycled compared to just 9% for plastics, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This disparity points to technical, economic, and logistical challenges in recycling processes.

What is the current rate of recycling in the UK?

Source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

The UK has gradually improved its recycling rate, reaching approximately 45.7%, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. However, this falls short of the 50% target set for 2020, highlighting the need for further enhancements in policy and system adaptability to handle increasing waste volumes effectively.

What percent of people actually recycle?

Participation in recycling programs is high, with around 87% of Britons engaging in household recycling according to Recycle Now surveys. Despite this high engagement, issues such as contamination and confusion about recyclable materials affect the overall effectiveness. These problems are further compounded by variations in local recycling capabilities and educational outreach efforts.

Does recycling actually help?

Source: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Recycling offers significant benefits by reducing the reliance on raw materials and lowering carbon emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that recycling reduces energy consumption in manufacturing and decreases methane emissions from landfills. However, only about 60% of collected materials are effectively recycled, indicating the need for better system efficiency and material handling.

What really happens to recycling?

Source: National Waste & Recycling Association

The journey of recyclables from collection to reprocessing is fraught with challenges. The National Waste & Recycling Association indicates that contamination rates can reach 25% in some recycling streams. Common contaminants like food waste and non-recyclable plastics complicate sorting and reduce the overall efficiency of recycling operations.

Why is only 9% of plastic recycled?

Source: Plastics Europe

Plastic recycling faces numerous obstacles, including the need for sorting by type and colour, thorough cleaning, and low end-market demand for certain recycled plastics. As Plastics Europe highlights, only about 9% of collected plastics are recycled due to these economic and practical obstacles, which often make new plastic production more viable.

Which country is recycling just 5% of its plastic waste?

In some regions with less developed recycling systems, the plastic recycling rate can be as low as 5%. Contributing factors include inadequate collection systems, limited sorting and processing infrastructure, and minimal markets for recycled materials.

Does recycling end up in the ocean?

Source: The United Nations Environment Programme

Improper waste management and insufficient recycling processes significantly contribute to marine pollution. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that up to 13 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year, harming marine ecosystems and entering the human food chain. However, recycling is a powerful solution to this problem. Recycling waste keeps it out of landfills and prevents it from becoming pollution in our oceans and landscapes.

Why your recycling doesn’t always get recycled?

Several factors contribute to the inefficiency of recycling systems, including contamination, inadequate sorting technologies, and insufficient economic incentives favouring recycling over cheaper alternatives like landfilling. The gap between consumer expectations and the realities of recycling infrastructure often results in suboptimal recycling outcomes.

Understanding the complexities of recycling underscores both the environmental benefits and the significant challenges that need to be addressed. To move towards a more sustainable future, enhancing recycling systems and increasing public awareness are crucial. By being mindful of recycling practices and advocating for robust waste management policies, we can support the development of a circular economy.