Does recycling actually make a difference? New report details how there’s a ‘plastic waste crisis’

Meteorologist Elyse Smith recently delved into the City of Houston’s recycling procedures, sparking questions about the efficacy of plastic recycling. Despite items bearing the recycling symbol, some plastics were rejected.

A February 2024 report by the Center For Climate Integrity, a nonprofit research group, sheds light on the issue. Titled “The Fraud of Plastic Recycling,” it asserts that the plastics industry and major oil companies have long been aware that recycling plastics is not a sustainable solution for managing plastic waste.

Davis Allen, an investigative researcher for the Center For Climate Integrity, emphasized that companies, despite perpetually increasing plastic production, know that the majority of plastic waste will ultimately end up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.

The spotlight on plastic waste intensified in recent years, particularly due to concerns over microplastics and ocean pollution. In 2018, the EPA reported that over 35 million tons of plastic were generated in the United States, with a mere 8.7% recycled.

Moreover, the report alleges that the plastic industry’s success has been bolstered by media campaigns, misleading consumers into believing that plastic is as recyclable as materials like paper and aluminum. These campaigns, dating back to the 1950s, continue to influence public perception.

According to Davis, these campaigns have shifted responsibility onto consumers to reduce plastic usage, deflecting accountability from the industry itself.

Mark Wilfalk, director of solid waste management for Houston, acknowledged the importance of individual efforts to curb plastic consumption. However, this aligns with the plastic industry’s agenda, as per the Center for Climate Integrity.

While major oil companies claim to possess technology for plastic recycling, attempts to gain insight into their processes have been met with denial or silence.

In light of these revelations, there’s a growing call for collective action to both reduce plastic consumption and explore alternative, sustainable materials.