Recycling – Does it Have Impact?

Recycling – Does it Have Impact?
October 16, 2024 Sabine Schoenberg

Today’s consumers wonder quite often about recycling – Does it have impact? Is it worthwhile doing?

Recycling of materials is a cornerstone of environmental sustainability efforts globally. As awareness of climate change and resource depletion grows, so does the emphasis on recycling as a viable solution. Let’s explore current statistics that shed light on the state of recycling around the world when it comes to recycling plastic and e-waste.

The Impact of COVID-19

Part of consumer confusion comes from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It significantly affected recycling operations worldwide. Many recycling facilities faced temporary closures or reduced capacities due to prescribed health and safety measures. According to a report from the Recycling Partnership, these disruptions led to a 25% decline in curbside recycling rates in some U.S. regions during the height of the pandemic. As communities recover, there is an urgent need to reinvigorate recycling programs and engage the public in sustainable practices.

Plastic Recycling

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that only 9% of plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. This alarming low rate emphasizes the inadequacies of current systems and the necessity for innovation in recycling technologies.

The recycling rate for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles has seen some progress. It reached approximately 29% in 2020 in the United States, according to the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR).

To put the importance and effect of plastic recycling into an environmental context the Ecology Center states: 

Producing a 16 oz. PET bottle generates more than 100 times the toxic emissions to air and water than making the same size bottle out of glass.

“Major emissions from plastic production processes include (toxic chemicals such as) sulfur oxides, nitrous oxides, methanol, ethylene oxide, and volatile organic compounds”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one pound of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic most commonly used in water bottles conserves approximately 12,000 BTUs (British thermal units) of heat energy. The recycling process uses up to two-thirds less energy than traditional manufacturing, significantly reducing the strain on the traditional power grid, which is based on the burning of fossil fuels.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that recycling one ton of plastic conserves approximately 3.8 barrels of crude oil. In 2008, 2.12 million tons of plastic were recovered for recycling, the equivalent of roughly 7.6 million barrels of oil. 

Not mentioned so far is the topic of microplastics as plastic grinds down exposed to natural forces which then enter into waterways, fish, and every other food source. Travel to the most remote beaches around the globe and plastic bottles and plastic waste can be found at the shoreline.

So yes, recycling plastic makes a lot of sense. It’s time to reinvigorate the recycling of plastic much like Coca-Cola did when it partnered with Emeco to create the 111 Navy chair. Emeco claims that after 5 years, this one chair helped divert more than 15 million plastic bottles from landfills. Kudos to Coca-Cola.

E-Waste Recycling

E-waste, or electronic waste, represents one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 highlighted that about 17.4% of the 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste generated in 2019 was formally collected and recycled. Less than 20% is a poor statistic.  Calling on Apple to offer recycling of all e-waste at their stores.  It could be a program similar to Sherwin-Williams’ PaintCare program: Bring all paint brands to our store and we will recycle it properly. 

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, there is a growing momentum toward enhancing recycling initiatives. Countries like Germany and Sweden have set ambitious recycling goals, achieving rates above 60%. Moreover, technological advancements, such as chemical recycling and improved sorting systems, hold promise for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling processes.

Specific Recycling Suggestions

Watch Sustainable Home, Sustainability For Your Home, EcoTravel, and many more shows on SHGLiving.  You might just get really excited about living, traveling and experiencing top design shows around the world – all focused on sustainable solutions which includes recycling.

In conclusion, while recycling rates have improved in certain areas, significant gaps remain. As the global community continues to grapple with waste management issues, prioritizing recycling infrastructure, education, and innovative technologies will be vital in achieving a more sustainable future. The stats today serve as both a reminder of progress made and a call to action for ongoing efforts to enhance recycling worldwide.