As the global community strives for sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions, the World Economic Forum underscores the imperative of fostering a circular economy. Central to this vision is recognizing and addressing two pivotal dimensions: the accessibility and efficiency of recycling programs. Promoting a circular economy requires acknowledging and addressing accessibility and efficiency of recycling programs. Curbside recycling is one of the most convenient ways to recycle in the United States. The top reason Americans say they don't recycle regularly is a lack of convenient access. Therefore, the more convenient the process, the more Americans will recycle materials. Curbside recycling is the simplest form of recycling that is available to Americans, but many are unaware of what is recyclable and the impact of recycling.
In the context of the United States, curbside recycling stands as one of the most convenient and accessible avenues for recycling. Convenience, as research suggests, is a catalyst for increased recycling rates. According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, 73% of the United States has access to some kind of curbside recycling program. 94% have access to any kind of recycling, and only 6% have no access to recycling at all. So, accessibility is not the most prominent issue when it comes to analyzing recycling rates in the U.S. A majority of Americans have convenient access to recycling through curbside programs, and almost all Americans have access to recycling, although it may not be convenient.
In the United States, it is estimated that 75% of our waste is recyclable, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. That means only 25% of waste produced in the country needs to be put in a landfill. Education about what is recyclable, how to utilize curbside programs, and the community and environmental benefits of recycling curbside will increase recycling rates. Practicality in finding out what is recyclable and where to put it will have a positive impact on recycling in the U.S.
Currently, only 30% of recyclable waste in the United States is actually recycled. That means 70% of recyclable materials end up in landfills. American landfills account for 146.1 million tons of waste. Plastic and cardboard account for about 40% of that. A large portion of this waste could have been disposed of through a curbside recycling program.
Out of the 94% of Americans that say they support recycling and the 74% that say it should be a top priority, only 35% actually recycle. This contributes to low recycling rates in the country and significant rates of recyclables in landfills.
Paper and cardboard accounts for a majority of recycled material through a curbside recycling program, with 81% of recycled materials being paper or cardboard. 40% of waste recycled curbside is mixed paper and 14% is cardboard.
Aluminum ranks as a close second, with 76% of recyclable materials comprising metal, predominantly aluminum. Furthermore, glass is a noteworthy contender, recycling at a rate of 69%. Notably, glass exhibits a unique characteristic: its quality remains largely unaltered throughout the recycling process. Read more about unlimited aluminum recycling on our website: https://www.cirt.tech/blog-posts/aluminum-an-infinitely-recyclable-metal
Alarming data reveals that over 80 billion aluminum cans are utilized annually in the United States, with a significant 35% being disposed of in landfills, thereby polluting the environment. The recycling of aluminum cans is a far more energy-efficient alternative compared to their production. An enhanced focus on recycling aluminum cans through curbside programs is essential.
Paper is also largely recyclable through curbside programs in the United States. Despite this, nearly 1 billion trees worth of paper is thrown in the garbage each year. This is an unfathomable amount of paper, a forest of a billion trees is out of the scope of our minds. Be mindful about paper waste and reduce, reuse, and recycle to limit paper consumption.
Packaging materials are another large pollutant of our landfills. Around one third of landfill space is taken up by packaging materials. This phenomenon underscores the urgent need for innovative approaches to packaging and recycling. By recycling packaging materials, we can lessen the amount of waste being put into landfills, specifically one third of all waste being put into landfills. Circular packaging can help solve this problem.
The world is confronted with the remarkable persistence of plastics in landfills. Notably, plastic bags and bottles may require up to 1,000 years to decompose within these environments. Recognizing the urgency, it is essential to emphasize the recycling of plastic materials through curbside programs in the United States, as a significant portion of recyclable plastics continues to be discarded.
In conclusion, fostering a circular economy is a global endeavor that begins with acknowledging the significance of accessible and efficient recycling programs. The World Economic Forum recognizes the critical role of these programs in mitigating waste, conserving resources, and creating a sustainable future for our planet. By embracing these principles, we can collectively contribute to a greener, more circular world.
