Only five percent of the material was in the correct condition to be recycled.
Of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in the United States last year, only five to six percent—or about two million tons—was recycled, according to a new =”https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eda91260bbb7e7a4bf528d8/t/62726edceb7cc742d53eb073/1651666652743/The+Real+Truth+about+the+U.S.+Plastic+Recycling+Rate+2021+Facts+and+Figures+_5-4-22.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>report, conducted by the environmental groups Beyond Plastics and The Last Beach Cleanup. About 85 percent went to landfills, and ten percent was incinerated. The rate of plastic recycling decreased since 2018, when it was at 8.7 percent, per the study.
“The paltry 5-6 percent U.S. plastic recycling rate in 2021 should be a wake-up call to the false promise that plastic recycling is a credible solution to plastic waste and pollution,” the report states. “It’s time to implement real solutions, particularly the reduction of single-use plastic food service items that have the highest likelihood of polluting our environment.”
U.S. plastic waste exports, which are included in recycling rates, decreased from 1.84 million tons in 2017 to 0.61 million tons in 2021 as countries such as China began ceasing to accept America’s waste, per the report. The U.S. doesn’t have the capability to recycle all of its own plastic, Jan Dell, founder of the Last Beach Cleanup, tells the Guardian’s Katharine Gammon.
“We don’t have factories to do it,” she tells the publication. “It’s also very water-intensive, so we’re not going to build more plastic recycling facilities in the U.S.”
But despite a lack of recycling facilities, plastic waste has increased five-fold in the U.S. from 1980 to 2018. In 1980, the U.S. produced 7.4 million tons of plastic waste, and 38 years later, that number grew to 35.7 million tons, per the report.
At its peak in 2014, plastic recycling rates only reached 9.5 percent. Yet the authors write the low level of plastic recycling doesn’t seem to lie in the act of recycling itself, because paper recycling has increased from 21.3 percent in 1980 to 68.2 percent in 2018.
Instead, they blame a “decades-long misinformation campaign to perpetuate the myth that plastic is recyclable.” Additionally, Judith Enck, the president of Beyond Plastics, tells Earther’s Angely Mercado that the three arrow recycling symbol is misleading, because most municipalities recycle only certain types of plastics.
“Consumers are understandably confused,” Enck tells the organization. “They see the recycling logo, so they put the plastic packaging in their recycling bin.”
When residents co-mingle recyclable plastics with non-recyclable plastics, they contaminate loads, which then “usually get bundled for landfills or incineration,” per the study.
Even plastics that do make it to recycling facilities aren't all recycled, the authors report, stating that 30 to 36 percent of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are wasted during the recycling process.
“We need new laws on the books that reduce the amount of plastic packaging,” Enck tells Earther. “Because these companies are not going to reduce enough on their own, and consumers are left with little choices.”

4,917 comments
Robertoknige
The use of plain language without dumbing down the topic was really well done, and a look at zylavostore continued in that same accessible style, this is something many technical writers fail at because they either confuse their readers or condescend to them but here neither problem appears at all which is impressive really.
Zionanida
If patience for careful reading is rare these days finding sites that reward it is rarer still, and a stop at brixeltrust extended that rare reward, the diminishing returns on shallow content reading have made me more selective about where to spend reading time and this site is meeting the higher selectivity bar consistently.
Normanrah
Just wanted to say this was useful and leave a small note of thanks, and a quick visit to enterprisevaluealliances earned a similar nod from me, the small acknowledgements add up over time and represent the real economy of trust that good content runs on across the open and increasingly fragmented modern internet.
CamdenImict
Really like the way the post resists reaching for cliches that would have made it feel generic, and a quick visit to strategiccorporatealliances kept that fresh feel going, original phrasing and unexpected metaphors are signs that the writer is actually thinking rather than just stitching together familiar phrases into the appearance of content.
Gabrielcab
Most of my reading time goes to a small number of trusted sources and this one is now joining that group, and a stop at clickfornewperspectives reinforced the group membership, the few sites that earn a place in my regular rotation are sites I expect ongoing returns from and this one has earned that elevated position consistently.
plinko_mion
plinko app apk file [url=https://www.plinko02491.icu]https://www.plinko02491.icu[/url]
1win_vfkn
1вин лаки джет [url=https://www.1win75297.icu]1вин лаки джет[/url]
aviator_rtpi
aviator हाई रोलर बोनस [url=https://aviator71423.icu]https://aviator71423.icu[/url]
RomanGal
Now placing this in the small category of sites whose updates I would actually want to know about, and a stop at clickforbusinesslearning confirmed that placement, the difference between sites I want to follow and sites I just consume from is real and this one has crossed into the active follow category from the casual consumption side.
Rolandtal
A satisfying piece in the way that good meals are satisfying rather than just filling, and a look at zixor extended that satisfaction, the metaphor between content and meals is one I find useful and this site reads as a satisfying meal rather than the empty calories that most content provides for casual readers.
EthanBexia
Most attempts at writing on this topic feel like they are missing something and this post finally identified what was missing, and a look at plexin extended that diagnostic clarity, content that names what is wrong with adjacent treatments while doing better itself is content with both critical and constructive value and this site has both.
Terrynox
Thanks for the readable length, I finished it without checking how much was left, and a stop at zalvo kept me reading the same way, when I stop noticing the length of a piece because the content is engaging enough to sustain attention without willpower the writer has done their job well today.
JermaineHic
Got something practical out of this that I can apply later this week, and a stop at voryx added more details to think about, this is exactly the kind of content I bookmark for future reference rather than the throwaway listicles that dominate most search results these days for almost any common topic.
KobePep
If I had encountered this site five years ago I would have been telling everyone about it, and a look at everydaydigitalmarketplace extended that retrospective enthusiasm, the version of me who used to recommend favourite blogs frequently would have made sure friends knew about this one and that earlier enthusiasm is partially returning to me here.
FranciscoCib
I really like the calm tone here, it does not push anything on the reader, and after I went through zavix I felt the same way, just steady useful content laid out without drama, which is exactly what someone trying to learn something quickly needs to find rather than aggressive marketing.
Rubenduh
Speaking from the perspective of a fairly demanding reader the writing here clears the bar consistently, and a look at longtermvaluealliances continued clearing that bar, the calibration of demanding reader is something I apply to all sources and this site has been one of the few that handles the demanding reading well across pieces sampled.
Lonniealift
A piece that took its time without dragging, and a look at zylavoflow kept the same patient pace, the difference between unhurried and slow is a fine editorial distinction and this site has clearly found the unhurried side without slipping into the slow side which would have lost me as a reader quickly otherwise.
JettBocky
A piece that handled the topic with appropriate weight without becoming portentous, and a look at kavionpath continued that calibrated seriousness, content that takes itself seriously without becoming pompous is something this site has clearly figured out and the balance shows up in every piece I have read across multiple sessions now.
Isaiahbaind
A relief to read something where I did not have to fact check every claim mentally, and a look at quvexacore continued that reliable feeling, sites where I can lower my guard and trust the content are rare and this one is earning that trust paragraph by paragraph through consistent careful work behind the scenes.
BartholomewKig
Reading this confirmed something I had been suspecting about the topic, and a look at businessrelationshipnetwork pushed that confirmation toward greater confidence, content that lines up with independently held intuitions earns a special kind of trust and I will return to writers who consistently land that way for me without overselling positions.
WalkerBrIft
Glad to have another data point on a question I am still thinking through, and a look at ravionstore added two more, content that acknowledges its place in a wider conversation rather than pretending to settle the question alone is intellectually honest in a way that I wish was more common across the open web.
Jonathannor
A genuine compliment to the writer for keeping the post focused on what mattered, and a look at businessunityplatform continued that disciplined focus, focus is a editorial choice that compounds across many small decisions and this site has clearly made those small decisions consistently across what I have read so far this week here.
Guysax
Most of my reading time goes to a small number of trusted sources and this one is now joining that group, and a stop at flexibledigitalshopping reinforced the group membership, the few sites that earn a place in my regular rotation are sites I expect ongoing returns from and this one has earned that elevated position consistently.
Rexmix
Really nice to see things explained without overcomplicating the topic, the words flow naturally and stay easy to follow, and a short visit to androblink only added to that experience because the same simple approach is used across the rest of the page too without any change in tone.
Kareemwam
Worth flagging this post as worth a careful read rather than a casual skim, and a stop at longtermbusinesspartnerships earned the same careful approach, the few sites that warrant slower reading are sites I now treat differently from the daily content stream and this one has clearly moved into that elevated treatment category.
KaleFet
The post made the topic feel approachable without making it feel trivial, that is a fine balance, and a stop at trustedcorporateconnections maintained the same balance, finding the middle ground between welcoming and serious is genuinely difficult and the writers here have clearly figured out how to consistently hit it well across many different posts.
Winstonpeera
Got something practical out of this that I can apply later this week, and a stop at axory added more details to think about, this is exactly the kind of content I bookmark for future reference rather than the throwaway listicles that dominate most search results these days for almost any common topic.
ChrisNix
Picked up on several small touches that suggest a careful editor, and a look at tavro suggested the same hand at work across the broader site, editorial consistency at a granular level is one of the strongest signs that an operation is serious rather than just hobbyist and this site reads as serious throughout.
JeremiahAnabs
Now appreciating the small but real way this post improved my afternoon, and a stop at xelvix extended that small improvement effect, content that produces measurable positive impact on the texture of a reading day is content with real value and this site is producing those small positive impacts at a sustainable rate apparently.
Nolanjox
Thanks again for the post, I learned a couple of things I can actually use later this week, and after I went over yaverobonded the rest of the site looked equally promising, definitely going to spend more time here when I get a free moment over the weekend to read more carefully.
Holdenron
Most blog writing on this subject reaches for the same handful of arguments and this post avoided them, and a look at trustedshoppingplatform continued the original treatment, content that finds its own path through territory other writers have flattened is content with real authorial energy and this site has plenty of that distinctive energy.
RubenErold
Looking at this objectively the editorial quality is hard to deny even setting aside personal taste, and a stop at smartdealpurchasecenter maintained the same objective quality, the gap between what I personally enjoy and what is objectively well crafted exists and this site clears both bars simultaneously which is rarer than it sounds.
HoracioRip
Liked the careful selection of which details to include and which to skip, and a stop at businessgrowthpartnerships reflected the same editorial judgement, knowing what to leave out is just as important as knowing what to include and this site has clearly figured out where that line sits for the topics it covers regularly.
Tomnairm
Really like the way the post resists reaching for cliches that would have made it feel generic, and a quick visit to qulix kept that fresh feel going, original phrasing and unexpected metaphors are signs that the writer is actually thinking rather than just stitching together familiar phrases into the appearance of content.
Victorhap
Now setting up a small reminder to revisit the site on a slow day, and a stop at businessrelationshipnetwork confirmed the reminder was a good idea, planning return visits is a small organisational act that signals trust in ongoing quality and this site has earned that planned return through consistent performance across the pieces I have read so far.
DiegoMuh
Skipped lunch to finish reading, which says something, and a stop at strategicgrowthalliances kept me at my desk longer than planned, when content beats the lunch impulse the writer has done something genuinely impressive in an attention environment full of immediately satisfying alternatives competing for the same finite block of reader time.
Ryderfuh
Now wishing I had found this site sooner, and a look at nolaroview extended that mild regret, the calculation of how many years of good content I missed by not finding the right sources earlier is one I try not to make too often but it does come up sometimes when I find sites this good.
chicken-road_maOt
chicken road catálogo de juegos [url=https://chicken-road94978.icu]https://chicken-road94978.icu[/url]
PaulJot
Honestly enjoyed not being sold anything for the entire duration of the post, and a look at builddigitalgrowthpaths kept that pleasant absence going across more pages, content that exists for its own sake rather than as a funnel to a paid product is increasingly rare and worth supporting where I can find it.
plinko_yvmi
plinko web oficial plinko argentina [url=https://www.plinko05764.icu]https://www.plinko05764.icu[/url]
bitcoin_cmpn
Also ich spiele jetzt seit gut vier Monaten und um ehrlich zu sein, ich war anfangs skeptisch, ob so ein Laden mit Krypto uberhaupt was taugt. Bin uber einen Kollegen da reingerutscht, der seit Ewigkeiten online Poker mit Bitcoin spielt, und was soll ich sagen – hangen geblieben bin ich trotzdem. Grade fur deutsche Spieler ist das eh nicht immer easy, was Ein- und Auszahlungen angeht, aber gut.
An Spielen ist ordentlich was los – so grob uber 1500 Slots, wenn man alles zusammenzahlt. Die ublichen Verdachtigen sind alle dabei: Play’n GO mit dem ganzen Kram, dazu Book of Dead, das lauft alles rund. Die Live-Ecke kommt von Evolution, mit echten Croupiers und Shows wie Crazy Time, da hab ich abends schon zu oft. Was mich eigentlich halt, das Herz ist fur mich nun mal der Pokerbereich – Bitcoin Poker eben, darum gehts mir ja.
Zum Bonus: angeboten wurden mir die ublichen 100% obendrauf und dazu Freispiele, gestuckelt uber paar Tage. Die Umsatzbedingung liegt bei 35x, geht klar ehrlich gesagt, aber lest euch das Kleingedruckte durch. Es gibt sogar Freerolls und mal nen No-Deposit-Kracher, da holt man sich ohne Risiko das Ganze. Was gerade an Promos lauft schaut euch am besten direkt bei [url=https://bitcoin-poker-online.de/bitcoin-poker-sites]best bitcoin poker sites[/url] an, bevor ihr euch anmeldet, ist meist aktueller als der Support.
Jetzt zum Nervigen – Withdrawals. Mit Krypto war es meist unter ner Stunde, echt sauber. Als ich einmal die Karte nutzen wollte, zog sich das und das Ausweis-Hochladen war nervig. Karten und E-Wallets gehen alle, unterm Strich der Vorteil von Bitcoin beim Poker ist ja, dass keiner gro? mitliest. Mindesteinzahlung so um die 20 Euro, Konto anlegen war in Minuten durch.
Unterwegs laufts sauber – App ist vorhanden fur beide Systeme, alternativ im Browser klappt es problemlos. Der Support ist rund um die Uhr uber Live-Chat, die deutschsprachige Hilfe war ok, aber nicht perfekt, auf Englisch lief es rund. Zur Lizenz ist alles sauber dokumentiert, das war mir wichtig. Fur alle hier aus Deutschland, die Poker fur Bitcoin antesten mochten – ich zock weiter, kann sich ja noch andern.
bitcoin_rfPi
Also ich spiele jetzt seit ein paar Monaten und ganz ehrlich, ich war anfangs skeptisch, ob so ein Laden mit Bitcoin uberhaupt was taugt. Durch nen Bekannten aus dem Forum dort gelandet, der seit uber einem Jahr bitcoin online poker spielt, und tja – hangen geblieben bin ich dann irgendwie. Fur uns hier in Deutschland ist das eh manchmal echt zah, was Ein- und Auszahlungen angeht, aber dazu gleich mehr.
Was die Auswahl angeht ist ordentlich was los – wurde sagen uber 1500 Titel, alles in allem. Die gro?en Namen sind am Start: Pragmatic Play mit Gates of Olympus und Sweet Bonanza, Book of Dead, das lauft alles rund. Der Live-Bereich kommt von Evolution, mit echten Croupiers und Kram wie Crazy Time, da hab ich abends ofter mal. Was mich eigentlich halt, das Kernstuck ist fur mich halt der Pokertisch – bitcoin poker eben, deswegen bin ich hier.
Beim Bonus: angeboten wurden mir einen 100%-Bonus bis 500€ und dazu Freispiele, gestuckelt uber paar Tage. Die Umsatzbedingung ist 35-fach, was ok ist fur die Branche, schaut euch die Bedingungen wirklich durch. Es gibt sogar Freeroll-Turniere und mal was ohne Einzahlung, so kann man antesten ohne Risiko ein paar Hande. Was gerade an Promos lauft seht ihr aktuell direkt bei [url=https://best-bitcoin-poker.de/de-de]bitcoin and poker[/url] an, bevor ihr euch anmeldet, ist meist aktueller als der Support.
Nicht alles ist Gold – das Auszahlen. Per Bitcoin gings bei mir fix, da kann ich nicht meckern. Als ich einmal Neteller probierte, hats zwei Tage gedauert und der KYC-Kram hat genervt. Karten und E-Wallets gehen alle, mal ehrlich der ganze Sinn ist ja, dass man schnell und ohne Gedons ein- und auszahlt. Kleinster Einsatz so um die 20 Euro, Anmeldung war in Minuten durch.
Mobil laufts sauber – ne eigene App gibts fur beide Systeme, sonst uber die Seite klappt es problemlos. Der Kundendienst 24/7 erreichbar, die deutschsprachige Hilfe war mal besser mal schlechter, auf Englisch lief es rund. Lizenztechnisch ist es transparent, das war mir wichtig. Fur alle hier aus Deutschland, die Poker fur Bitcoin reinschnuppern wollen – fur mich passts gerade, kann sich ja noch andern.
chicken-road_azsl
chicken road contrasena olvidada [url=http://chicken-road03967.icu]http://chicken-road03967.icu[/url]
CainDom
Took me back a step or two on an assumption I had been making, and a stop at customerfirstshopping pushed that reconsideration further, writing that gently corrects the reader without being aggressive about it is a rare diplomatic skill and the team here clearly knows how to land critical points without turning readers off.
Michaelnub
Купите готовый шаблон «Аспро: Ландшафт 2.0» для быстрого запуска современного сайта студии ландшафтного дизайна, благоустройства и проектирования. Переходите по запросу [url=https://magikfox.ru/catalog/gotovye-sayty/stroitelstvo/aspro.allcorp3landscape/]сайт Аспро ландшафт и благоустройство[/url]. Решение включает адаптивный дизайн, каталог услуг и проектов, формы заявок и удобную систему управления на 1С-Битрикс. Подходит для ландшафтных компаний, архитектурных бюро, садовых центров. Вы получите быстрый старт, профессиональное оформление и широкие возможности настройки.
Bjornsweem
Really appreciate the confidence to make a clear point rather than hedging everything, and a quick visit to customerfirstshoppinghub maintained the same direct stance, writing that takes positions rather than equivocating is more useful even when the positions are debatable because at least the reader has something to react to clearly.
DennisJeogs
Definitely returning here, that is decided, and a look at ardenbeach only made the case stronger, this is one of those rare websites that rewards regular visits rather than feeling stale after the first read which is something I cannot say about most of the places I bookmark today across all my topics.
Kileabelp
Useful reading material, the kind I can hand off to someone newer to the topic without worrying about confusing them, and a quick look at yavlo confirmed the same beginner friendly tone runs throughout the site which is great for sharing with people just starting their learning journey on this particular topic.
Mateonuarp
Decided to subscribe to the RSS feed if there is one, and a stop at zavirochain confirmed that decision, content that I want delivered to me proactively rather than just remembered when I have time is content that has earned a higher level of commitment from me as a reader looking for reliable sources.
Robertaculp
Thanks for the breakdown, it gave me a clearer picture of something I had been confused about for a while now, and a stop at ravioncore closed the remaining gaps in my understanding nicely, no need to hunt around twenty other articles to put the pieces together which is a real time saver.