What Percentage of Your Recycling Is Actually Getting Recycled?

In today’s disposable world, recycling has become quite important. On a working scale, recycling allows individuals and companies to repurpose their rubbish rather than throwing it in the bin, which eventually ends up in landfills. Unfortunately, not every state has a smooth recycling process. In fact, the percentage of recycling that is actually recycled is alarming.

It’s high time that companies producing the most waste took notice of this because they are directly contributing to global warming.

In most cases, the majority of the plastic ends up in blue recycling bins. According to a report by Greenpeace, the amount of plastic recycled has dropped to 5%. This rate will continue to drop because there are no signs of halting plastic production.

One of the most common plastic items, such as a soda bottle, is a prolific item thrown out casually. Although it meets the threshold of being recyclable, it is not fully. In order for plastic to be recyclable, it should meet a recycling rate of 30%, and no plastic has ever been given this rate.

Experts believe that the recycling crisis will reach a new high in the future because plastic production is estimated to triple by 2050.

So, why is the percentage of recycling so high? Although there are plenty of junk removal services in Portland, the waste seems to keep piling up. The problem lies with plastic, which is expensive to collect and difficult to sort. There are thousands of different plastic types, all with unique compositions. As a result, they cannot be melted together. Moreover, plastic degrades after two uses. The more you use it, the more toxic it becomes.

You have probably seen many plastic items labeled as “recyclable.” This plastic is shipped from the Global North to the South for recycling. However, it never goes through the process after reaching its destination.

The waste is usually picked up by haulers and dumped illegally or burned openly, exposing the nearby residents to numerous health problems. No plastic is fully recyclable. All plastic items are given either a number or letters written inside three arrows circling each other. These codes tell recycling facilities whether the plastic is most, sometimes, or least recyclable.

Yes, chemicals can be used to burn plastic, but this releases harmful gases. The only way to reduce your carbon footprint is to stop buying plastic.

There’s probably lots of plastic waste in your house, ready to be thrown away. If you are looking for a safe and green way to dispose of it, get in touch with Thunderbird Drop Box. We offer recycling services in Portland. Visit our website for an instant quote, and for more information, call (503) 928-4548.