The Recycling Process: Only 45% Actually Gets Recycled

In today’s world, recycling is often seen as a fundamental aspect of waste disposal, especially for those conscious of sustainability. Many local authorities in the UK even fine residents for improper recycling. On the surface, recycling seems like a positive solution to reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainability efforts. However, with only 45% of waste actually being recycled in the UK, it’s clear there are significant shortcomings.

But why is the recycling rate so low? To fully understand the issue, it’s crucial to explore how the recycling process works, where it fails, and how consumers can reduce their plastic footprint by making better choices.

How Does Recycling Work?

The recycling process begins with household sorting. In most areas, consumers separate their plastic, metal, paper, and glass waste. This waste is collected and sent to sorting facilities, where it is divided into categories such as:

• Plastic
• Metal
• Glass
• Paper and cardboard

Once sorted, materials are sent to processing facilities. For example, plastic waste is melted down, and paper is turned back into pulp to create new products. However, not all of it reaches this stage. Recyclable materials are often graded by quality, determining whether they can be fully recycled or not. While metals and glass can be recycled infinitely, plastic degrades in quality, making it harder to reuse effectively.

The Plastic Recycling Problem

Plastic waste poses the biggest challenge for recycling. The UK is the second-largest exporter of plastic waste, with much of it being shipped to countries like Malaysia. Unfortunately, some of this plastic sits in these countries, unrecycled, due to being deemed unrecyclable. This highlights a serious flaw: the UK lacks the necessary facilities to handle its waste, causing the numbers to be artificially inflated by exporting plastic that isn’t recycled.

Why Isn’t All Waste Recycled?

The key issue is contamination. Contaminants such as food residue or mixed materials like toothpaste tubes make it difficult to process waste. A contaminated item can lead to entire batches of recycling being thrown away, exacerbating the issue.

For instance, greasy pizza boxes, plastic bottles with oil residue, or toothpaste tubes made from mixed materials (plastic and aluminium) often end up in landfill instead of being recycled. In the UK, over 300 million toothpaste tubes end up in landfills every year, contributing to plastic waste that takes centuries to decompose.

The Issue with Plastic in Recycling

Plastic comes in two types: thermoplastic and thermoset. Thermoplastic, such as drinks bottles, can be recycled into new products, whereas thermoset plastics can’t be remoulded. Mixing these types leads to contamination, further reducing the amount of plastic that gets recycled.

Tips to Improve Recycling Efficiency

To help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and promote sustainability, consider these tips:

1. Remove contaminants: Wash out food packaging and separate different materials (like removing labels and bottle tops) to prevent contamination.
2. Reduce consumption: Opt for products with minimal or recyclable packaging, such as glass or metal.
3. Understand recycling symbols: Check your local authority’s recycling guidelines to ensure you’re disposing of waste properly.
4. Support sustainable companies: Choose brands that use plastic-free packaging or biodegradable options. For instance, GudYu offers toothpaste tablets in recyclable tins.

The Future of Recycling and Plastic Waste

The UK government is committed to reducing plastic waste, with policies aiming to eliminate avoidable plastic by 2042. However, it’s clear that much more needs to be done at both the national and individual level to support sustainability. By improving the recycling process, reducing plastic consumption, and supporting innovative solutions, we can make a significant impact on the environment.

Making a Change with GudYu

GudYu is committed to reducing the environmental impact of oral care products. Our toothpaste tablets are delivered in reusable aluminium tins, and our packaging is biodegradable. By making small changes, such as switching to toothpaste tablets, you can help reduce your plastic footprint and support a more sustainable future.

FAQs

1. Why does only 45% of recycling get recycled in the UK? Contamination, lack of facilities, and improper sorting are some of the main reasons why a significant portion of recyclable waste ends up in landfills.

2. How can I reduce my plastic footprint? Opt for products with eco-friendly packaging, avoid single-use plastics, and support brands like GudYu that prioritise sustainability.

3. What are the benefits of switching to toothpaste tablets? Toothpaste tablets reduce plastic waste by eliminating the need for traditional toothpaste tubes. They come in biodegradable or recyclable packaging, making them a more sustainable choice.

4. Why is contamination such a big issue in recycling? Contamination makes it difficult for recycling facilities to process materials. Items with food residue or mixed materials often end up in landfills, despite being placed in recycling bins.

Taking Action on Plastic Waste

Recycling is an essential step in reducing plastic waste, but it’s clear that there are systemic issues that need to be addressed. By making more informed decisions, around daily buying decisions, removing contaminants, and understanding what can be recycled, we can collectively reduce our plastic footprint and support sustainability efforts.