Ever wondered if there’s a proper way to handle waste? Let’s dive into the journey of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and see how we can make a difference.
The Rise of Recycling
A little over a century ago, mass production of plastic products began, but recycling wasn’t on many people’s minds. In 1960, only about 6% of waste was recycled. Fast forward to the year 2000, and this number had increased to around 29%. By 2017, we reached a recycling rate of 35% (USA Figures). The original Earth Day in 1970 brought the mantra “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” into the spotlight, and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA based in the States) further boosted public awareness.
Awareness vs. Action
Knowing about recycling is one thing; doing it is another. The EPA helped pass the Resource Recovery Act, emphasising the importance of environmentally friendly practices. Since the 70s, awareness and action have grown, but so has overall consumption, leading to even more waste. To combat this, we need to think about how our products will end their life. From food to clothing, can we make conscious decisions in our busy lives?
Reuse: A Simple Yet Effective Step
Before you bin something, consider if it can be reused. For example, old coffee grounds can benefit your garden. Donating old clothes instead of throwing them away also helps. Remember, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” During the 2020 pandemic, many organisations preferred donations of new items over used ones to minimise disease spread.
Recycling: Community and Effort
Recycling has become a community effort, with clearly labelled bins in public spaces and businesses participating enthusiastically. Parks and Boroughs are significant contributors, providing separate containers for recyclables which households leave out for weekly collection.
Once collected, recyclables head to a materials recovery facility (MRF). Here, waste is managed through three phases: Collection, Processing, and Remanufacturing. Collection is straightforward. Processing involves sorting, cleaning, and transporting. Finally, the materials are either sent to a milling facility or directly to a manufacturer.
MRFs convert collected items into materials that can be milled or remanufactured. For instance, some plastics are turned into products like carpets, egg cartons, car bumpers, detergent bottles, and park benches.
Pre-Consumer vs. Post-Consumer Recycled Content
Plastic manufacturers often recycle scrap material from production runs, known as pre-consumer recycled content. Post-consumer recycled content comes from items discarded after use, like food containers, aluminium cans, and the ubiquitous plastic water bottle.
The Bigger Picture
While this paints a rosy picture of a circular economy, reality can differ. If you live near a recycling facility, you might notice heaps of waste waiting to be processed. Why? Costs and benefits, sorting complexities, standardisation issues, infrastructure gaps, and market regulations all play a role.
Moving Forward
Despite the challenges, we can manage it with smart solutions. Stay tuned to learn more about chemical recycling, BioPlastics, and the nuances of pre- and post-consumer materials. Together, we can make a difference.
Keep up the good work and remember, every little bit helps!
