Get ready to bust some myths about plastic recycling! Debunking five common misunderstandings about plastic recycling :
Myth #1: All plastics can be recycled. False! Only resin codes 1 and 2 are commonly recycled in the US. Others usually end up in landfills or are incinerated.
Myth #2: Recycling plastic is cheaper and easier than producing new plastic. Nope! The reality is that making plastic from oil and natural gas is cheaper and simpler than the complicated process of recycling waste plastic, which also generates a lot of toxic waste.
Myth #3: Increasing plastic recycling will solve the plastic waste problem. Wrong again! Despite efforts to increase recycling, global plastic production is predicted to triple in the next decade. The real solution is to reduce plastic use and production.
Myth #4: When in doubt, throw it in the recycling bin. Don’t do it! Wish-cycling increases contamination and recycling costs. When in doubt, just throw it out.
Myth #5: Plastic films like shopping bags are recyclable. Not exactly! Although they can be recycled, they require a separate process from bottles and containers. Thankfully, most big retailers now collect shopping bags and films for recycling.