The Reality of Plastic Waste in the United States

According to a study published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, the United States generated approximately 44 million metric tons (Mt) of plastic waste in 2019. Out of this staggering amount, about:

• 86% was landfilled
• 9% was combusted (incinerated)
• Only 5% was actually recycled

These statistics reveal a harsh reality: nearly all the plastic waste produced in the United States ends up either in landfills or is burned, resulting in the loss of valuable resources and contributing to environmental pollution.

The Economic Impact of Plastic Waste

The study estimates that landfilled plastics represent a significant economic loss. In 2019 alone, the value of landfilled plastics in the U.S. was equivalent to:

• An average loss of $7.2 billion in market value
• Approximately 3.4 exajoules (EJ) as embodied energy, representing around 12% of energy consumption by the industrial sector
• Around 1.5 EJ as an energy source, which equates to 5.5% and 5% of energy consumption by the industrial and transportation sectors, respectively.

Plastic Waste and Recycling Worldwide

Globally, the situation is similarly dire. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), approximately 430 million tons of plastic are produced each year. Despite the sheer volume, only about 9% of all plastic waste gets recycled. In fact, the recycling rate has been declining in recent years, especially since China stopped importing plastic waste from other countries in 2018.

OECD Findings on Global Plastic Pollution

A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) paints an even grimmer picture, highlighting that only 14-18% of global plastic packaging production was recycled in 2018. The majority of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment, contributing to the ever-growing problem of pollution.

California's Lawsuit Against ExxonMobil

California's recent lawsuit against ExxonMobil underscores the challenges surrounding plastic recycling. The lawsuit alleges that ExxonMobil has engaged in a decades-long campaign to mislead the public into believing that plastic recycling is an effective solution to plastic waste. According to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, most of the plastic items collected in annual coastal cleanups in the state can be traced back to ExxonMobil's polymer resins.

Key Points from the Lawsuit

• ExxonMobil is accused of producing the largest amount of single-use plastic that becomes waste.
• The state seeks to compel ExxonMobil to end its "deceptive practices" and is seeking civil penalties for the harm caused by plastics pollution.
• ExxonMobil has defended itself, arguing that California’s recycling system isn’t effective and has processed over 60 million pounds of plastic waste into usable raw materials to date.

Why Most Plastic Isn’t Getting Recycled

The Greenpeace report published in 2022 estimates that only 5% of plastic waste is being recycled in the United States. Several factors contribute to the low recycling rate:

• Lack of capacity: Recycling facilities simply do not have the infrastructure to handle the wide variety of plastics used in everyday products.
• Collection and sorting difficulties: Many plastics are difficult to collect and sort for recycling. Items like grocery bags, coffee lids, and straws are rarely accepted by recycling programs.
• Contamination and toxicity: Many plastics contain toxic additives, making them challenging to recycle safely and economically.

Breakdown of Recycling Rates by Plastic Type

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory report estimated recycling rates based on 2019 data:

• 15% for water-bottle plastic (PET)
• 10% for milk-jug plastic (HDPE)
• 3% for ice-cream tubs (PP)
• 2% for grocery bags (LDPE)
• An overall recycling rate of just 5% for all plastic.

The most commonly recycled plastics are No. 1 (PET) and No. 2 (HDPE), typically used for bottles and jugs. However, even these materials are only recycled at rates of about 30%.

The Deceptive Nature of the Recycling Symbol

Many consumers believe that the recycling symbol on plastic products means that these items are recyclable. However, this is often not the case. A survey of 375 recycling facilities across the United States revealed that:

• All of them accept plastic bottles and jugs marked “1” and “2” inside the recycling symbol.
• Only half accept plastic tubs and containers made of polypropylene (marked with “5”).
• Just one-tenth accept plastic cups and clamshells.
• None accept plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, coffee pods, or food wrappings.

Comparing Plastics to Other Recycled Materials

While the recycling rate for plastics remains low, other materials are recycled at much higher rates:

• 68% for paper and cardboard
• 97% for cardboard boxes
• 50% for aluminum cans
• 31% for glass containers

These figures indicate that the challenges facing plastic recycling are unique, mainly due to the diversity of plastic types, contamination, and the lack of economic incentives for recycling.

The Way Forward: Reducing Plastic Production and Waste

Experts widely agree that one of the most effective ways to address the plastic waste crisis is to reduce plastic production in the first place. Jenna Jambeck, an environmental engineer at the University of Georgia, stated, “The best way to manage waste is not to produce it in the first place.” Achieving this goal requires:

1. Holding plastic producers accountable for the damage caused by their products.
2. Developing more recyclable products and sustainable alternatives.
3. Enhancing circularity, meaning keeping products in use as long as possible and reusing their materials after they’ve reached the end of their life cycle.

What Can Be Done?

The report emphasizes the need for advanced recycling technologies and improved collection and sorting methods to recover more plastic waste. Developing more sustainable packaging options and increasing the demand for recycled plastics are also vital to creating a circular economy for plastics.

To start integrate resuable products into your life as much as possible. This includes water bottles, glass food containers and paper based wrappings (that aren't made from plastics).

Some top rated glass water bottles include:

• Hawaii Volcanic
• Evian
• Hallstein
• Mountain Valley
• Icelandic Glacial

Conclusion

The reality of plastic recycling is far from ideal, with only about 5% of plastic waste being recycled in the United States and similar rates worldwide. Despite the perception that plastic recycling is an effective solution to the waste crisis, the data reveals significant challenges in collection, sorting, and processing. To address this growing problem, a multi-faceted approach is needed, including reducing plastic production, improving recycling infrastructure, and holding producers accountable for their role in plastic pollution.

If action isn’t taken soon, the world will continue to see plastic waste accumulate in landfills, waterways, and even our bodies, with long-term consequences for the environment and human health.