DAY 23 – Confused about recycling?

It’s not your fault

1 What percentage of the 360 million tons of plastic created worldwide each year is actually
recycled?
Answer: Only 9% of the 360 million tons of plastic created worldwide each year is
recycled.
2 Why are thermosetting polymers, which make up about 18% of plastics, challenging to
recycle?
Answer: Thermosetting polymers gain stability through curing, a process that irreversibly
crosslinks their molecular chains, making them unable to be broken down and rebuilt by
most recycling plants.
3 What is the main issue with the code system introduced by the plastics industry in 1988?
Answer: The code system is confusing, as it indicates the material the plastic is made of
(resin), and while some resin numbers are recyclable at most centers, others are not.
The presence of the universally recognized recycling symbol around all numbers can
mislead consumers into thinking that many plastics have a chance at recycling.
4 Why might plastics with technically recyclable resins still end up in incinerators or trash bins?
Answer: Plastics often contain multiple resins, dyes, additives, or difficult-to-remove
stickers and labels, causing them to be rerouted to incinerators or trash bins. Many
companies don't design packaging with easy recovery in mind.
5 How do plastic resins degrade over time, limiting their recyclability?
Answer: Even under pristine conditions, plastic resins can only be melted down and
remolded a few times as their polymers degrade with each use.
6 In the 1970s, what did the plastics industry do despite doubting the economic viability of
widespread recycling?
Answer: Despite doubts about economic viability, the plastics industry invested millions
of dollars in ad campaigns and lobbied state governments to adopt laws requiring
confusing resin codes on plastics.
7 What has been the consequence of rising costs and fewer international buyers of recyclable
scraps for many cities?
Answer: Rising costs and fewer international buyers have forced many cities to shut
down their curbside recycling programs altogether.
8 What is suggested as one solution to the growing plastic waste problem?
Answer: One solution is to work towards a circular economy for plastics, which involves
creating fewer new plastics, eliminating single-use plastics, and ensuring the remaining
plastics can stay in circulation through recycling.
9 What is proposed as a change to the current resin code system by many experts?
 Answer: Many experts propose eliminating the current resin code system and replacing
it with clear, simplified recyclable versus non-recyclable labels to help consumers sort
their waste more easily and make informed decisions at the point of purchase.
10 What action is suggested to reduce plastic consumption, and what role do manufacturers
play in this effort?
Answer: To reduce plastic consumption, manufacturers can phase out unnecessary
plastic films, switch to easily recyclable or compostable materials, and work towards a
circular economy for plastics. Manufacturers should ensure that all plastics created are
free from contaminants that could harm their ability to be recycled.