The illusion of plastic recycling: a 40 year deception

A recent report reveals a decades-long campaign by the plastics industry falsely promoting the feasibility of plastic recycling.

Joseph Winters reports for Grist.

In short:

• Despite knowing its impracticality, the plastics industry has promoted recycling as a viable solution to plastic waste for more than 40 years.
• The U.S. recycling rate for plastics remains below 10%, with most plastic waste ending up in landfills or incinerators.
• The industry's tactics mirror those used by Big Oil to downplay the environmental impact of their products.

Key quote:

"The oil industry’s lies are at the heart of the two most catastrophic pollution crises in human history."

— Richard Wiles, president of the Center for Climate Integrity.

Why this matters:

This revelation is essential for understanding the true impact of plastic waste on the environment and public health. It highlights the need for genuine solutions to plastic pollution and more responsible corporate practices.

Recycling plastics “extremely problematic” due to toxic chemical additives.