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How Much Plastic Waste is Actually Recycled?
Reducing our environmental impact is a growing concern, and many view plastic recycling as a key solution. However, it may not be as effective in solving the plastic crisis as we hope. While recycling plays an important role in reducing plastic pollution, the reality is that we need more sustainable alternatives to address the vast and varied types of plastics we consume daily.
At Office H2O, we've already helped over 600,000 people eliminate plastic bottles in office settings with our bottleless water coolers. But is this enough? We're just one small part of a much larger global issue. The truth is, not enough of our plastic waste is being recycled.
**Why Plastic Waste Is a Problem**
Plastic is everywhere — from everyday items like bags and bottles to car parts and construction materials. In 2015, nearly 7 million tons of virgin plastic were produced globally, but only 9% was recycled, while 12% was burned. The rest remains in landfills, pollutes the environment, or continues to circulate in the ecosystem. In some countries, burning plastic releases harmful chemicals into the air, worsening air quality and public health issues.
**The Scale of the Plastic Crisis**
Over the past 60 years, plastic production has exploded, resulting in a staggering 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic. Most of this is used for single-use items like bottles and packaging, which quickly become waste. Scientists who first studied these numbers were shocked by their scale. Plastic can take up to 400 years to decompose, meaning most of what has ever been produced still exists today.
By mid-century, it's predicted that oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight — equivalent to 35,000 times the weight of the Empire State Building.
**Where Does the Plastic Go?**
- **In Landfills**: Recycling programs are struggling due to the overwhelming amount of non-recyclable materials mixed in with recyclables. When China stopped accepting U.S. recyclables in 2018, many cities had to halt or reduce their programs. As a result, millions of tons of plastic end up in landfills each year.
- **In the Oceans**: Marine plastic debris accounts for around 80% of ocean trash. Fishing gear alone makes up 10% of marine litter yearly, adding up to between 1 and 2 billion pounds. Other common pollutants include packaging, cigarette butts, bottles, and grocery bags. Much of this enters the ocean through landfill leaks, beach litter, and mismanaged waste.
**Why Most Plastic Isn’t Recycled**
Despite its importance, less than 10% of the world’s plastic is actually recycled. According to Greenpeace, this is due to several factors:
- Difficulty in collecting and sorting
- Environmental harm during reprocessing
- Contamination with toxic materials
- High costs and low economic viability
In contrast, materials like paper, cardboard, metal, and glass are easier to recycle and processed at higher rates.
**What’s Recyclable and What’s Not**
Not all plastics are created equal. The Resin Identification Code (the number on the bottom of plastic products) helps identify which types are recyclable. Numbers #1 and #2 are generally safe, while #3, #6, and #7 are often not recyclable. Knowing this can help you make better choices and reduce waste.
**What to Do With Non-Recyclable Plastic**
If your local recycling center doesn’t accept certain plastics, look for alternative programs. Some centers offer nationwide recycling options for hard-to-recycle items like e-waste, makeup, and even cigarette waste.
**Creative Ways to Recycle**
- **Build Eco-Bricks**: Use old jars, food wrappers, and fishing gear to create eco-bricks. They’re great for building gardens, planters, or walls.
- **Create Vertical Gardens**: Turn soda bottles into vertical planters. It’s a budget-friendly way to grow plants.
- **Reuse Glass Bottles as Vases**: Paint empty bottles and turn them into stylish home decor.
- **Make Upcycled Art**: Transform plastic debris into art. Create collages, sculptures, or other unique pieces.
**Join the Movement with Office H2O**
Transitioning to a greener lifestyle starts with simple steps: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Office H2O offers a sustainable solution for offices by eliminating the need for plastic bottles. Our advanced filtration system provides clean, safe drinking water without the environmental cost of plastic.
With nine stages of purification, you can trust every drop of water is free from contaminants. Say goodbye to plastic bottles and enjoy fresh, clean water on demand. Try our FREE 7-day trial today and make a difference for the planet.
*Photo by Muhammad Numan on Unsplash*
*Photo by Killari Hotaru on Unsplash*
*Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash*
*Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash*