Editor’s note: This is Part Two in a series on ongoing worldwide efforts to deal with environmental pollution caused by plastic waste. Part One examined the global scale of the problem. This article reviews a range of proposals by environmental groups to deal with waste plastics, as well as specific initiatives individual locales are implementing to address the problem. Part Three will feature a look at the nation of Sweden’s extraordinary culture of recycling and its progress toward its goal of recycling 100% of its waste.
Though the vast quantities of plastic waste generated each year, coupled with pollution from poor handling of such waste, is an environmental problem of huge proportions, there are recycling success stories in the fight against plastic waste pollution. Other answers involve the flat-out replacement of certain plastics with more eco-friendly products.
There are both theoretical and practical solutions to the global problem of plastic waste.
In theory, the problem can be addressed through a global consensus to take certain actions. There is no lack of well-thought-out proposals to tackle this worldwide environmental problem.
However, such proposals each have considerable hurdles to overcome before they can manifest as concrete actions. Nonetheless, they are worth examining, so let’s take a look.
The New Plastics Economy (NPE)
An Ellen MacArthur Foundation-funded report released in 2022 titled The New Plastics Economy (NPE) boldly outlines a global strategy to shift from a linear to a circular economy for plastics, starting with plastic packaging.
The report suggested a phased approach over 10 years to achieve significant reductions in plastic waste. It emphasizes the need for a systemic shift toward a circular economy for plastics.
The problem with plastic packaging
The plastic packaging sector is a significant contributor to environmental pollution, especially in our oceans. This sector accounts for more than one-third of all plastics produced worldwide. It is the largest use category of plastics.
Most of this plastic is used for single-use purposes, is not recyclable, and ends up as waste shortly after production.
The New Plastics Economy plan includes:
- Packaging design innovations to create packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. This one change, though a tall order, would dramatically reduce plastic waste from the source.
- Infrastructure improvements for the collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste. This is another massive and expensive challenge that will require a new level of global cooperation to tackle the worldwide plastic problem.
- Creative, new economic incentives and policies to encourage circular economy practices across industries. Without real economic incentives to change current plastic waste practices, any improvements in the current situation will most likely be marginal.
- Raising awareness and promoting responsible consumer behavior. This is a basic requirement for any significant success in dealing with the problem.
- Increased partnerships among governments, businesses, and non-government organizations (NGOs). This fundamental element is needed to drive the transition.
Despite good intentions, there is scant evidence that the tenets of the New Plastics Economy plan noted above will be embraced globally anytime soon.
However, there are quite a few local and regional initiatives (and one national program in Sweden) that parallel elements of the NPE plan. We’ll review a number of these in a moment.
Does recycling of plastic waste work?
The answer is yes and no. It works in a limited fashion in some countries and locales, excellently in Sweden, and currently fails in other nations.
Not all organizations addressing the plastic waste problem believe that recycling is even part of the answer. To them, trying to implement such programs has been tried for years but there’s very little to show for those efforts.
“The estimated 5 to 6% US domestic plastic recycling rate in 2021 should be a wake-up call to
stop pretending that plastics recycling is a viable solution to plastic waste and pollution,” a Last Beach Cleanup 2022 report asserts. “It’s time to implement real solutions, including bans on single-use plastics, water refill stations, and reusable container programs for food and beverage service.”
Effective solutions to the problem of plastic waste
A report titled “The Real Truth About US Plastics Recycling Rates” cites evidence that the following three “real solutions” do work:
Bans on single-use plastics
Bans on single-use plastics in food service applications have been implemented by the European Union, California, Los Angeles County, and others, the report notes.
The report offers evidence that bans and fees reduce plastic waste:
- United Kingdom and Ireland: A 25-year study showed significantly fewer plastic bags on the seafloor after bag fees were introduced. Single-use carrier bag sales dropped by 95% in one year.
- Australia: Major supermarkets’ plastic bag ban in 2019 led to an 80% reduction in usage nationwide.
- Suffolk County, NY: The number of bags polluting shorelines dropped steeply in the first year after a 5-cent bag fee was enacted.
- Austin, TX: A 90% reduction in plastic bag litter was observed within six months of implementing the Single-Use Bag Ordinance (later nullified by a Texas Supreme Court decision).
- San Jose, CA: Plastic bag litter decreased by 89% in storm drains, 60% in creeks and rivers, and 59% on city streets within one to two years of the ban.
Single-use plastic items are made of low-value material that makes them widely available but economically impractical to collect and recycle, the report asserts. As the examples above demonstrate, legislative action to restrict single-use plastic bag distribution has resulted in a reduction of plastic bag pollution around the world.
These bans should be expanded globally as part of the UN Global Treaty to end plastic pollution, the report concludes.
Water refilling stations
A proven strategy to reduce plastic beverage bottle waste is to provide public water refilling stations. Cities and water agencies benefit from these stations, which offer free, high-quality drinking water and reduce plastic waste.
For example, Southern California’s Eastern Municipal Water District has installed nearly 120 stations at schools and community facilities. The Los Angeles Convention Center’s 21 hydration stations have prevented the waste of 150,000 plastic bottles and led to a ban on single-use bottles at the facility.
Every public space, including airports, train and bus stations, and public buildings, should install water refill stations to offer free, high-quality drinking water without the downsides of plastic waste, the Last Beach Cleanup report concludes.
Reusable container programs for food and beverage service
“The science shows that reuse clearly beats single-use in the environmental metrics on which they’ve been compared: Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), water consumption, resource extraction, waste generation, litter generation, and plastic pollution,” an Upstream Solutions report cited in the Last Beach Cleanup report noted.
The report offers examples of how container reuse works:
- Companies like Costa Coffee in the UK are embracing the benefits of reuse by offering programs that reward customers with a free drink after four purchases using a reusable cup.
- Similarly, at Roz’s cafe at Bennington College, students and staff must bring their own reusable cups for coffee and tea, as single-use cups are not provided. The campus has fully integrated the habit of using reusable cups, even providing backup mugs from local garage sales for those who forget theirs, which must be washed and returned.
- The Refill Not Landfill initiative is currently active in various locations around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia. Originally launched in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to reduce the use of single-use plastic water bottles, it encourages the use of refillable bottles. The program has since expanded to other countries in the region, such as Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. In these locations, participating businesses and organizations provide free or low-cost water refills to promote sustainable practices.
Reusable containers transcend the need for recycling plastic containers, so they are the best answer to the problem of plastic food container waste.
However, for the reusable container movement to truly catch fire on a global scale will require a worldwide embracing of a higher standard of eco-friendly behavior than currently exists, as well as economic incentives and disincentives to push businesses in that direction.
Successful plastic waste initiatives around the world
Numerous successful regional and local initiatives have effectively tackled the plastic waste problem and could serve as models for other areas. Here’s a sampling:
Kamikatsu, Japan – zero waste program
Kamikatsu, a small town in Japan, has implemented one of the most comprehensive recycling programs in the world that emphasizes community involvement and rigorous waste sorting.
The town sorts its waste into 45 different categories, with plastic being a major focus. Residents are required to clean and separate their plastics into multiple subcategories, such as PET bottles, plastic caps, and plastic bags.
The town’s commitment to recycling has led to an impressive 80% waste recycling rate.
Freiburg, Germany – municipal recycling program
Known as Germany’s “Green City,” Freiburg has developed an excellent recycling system. The program includes extensive public education campaigns that teach residents how to sort and recycle their plastic waste.
Freiburg has installed numerous recycling stations around the city, with specific bins for different types of plastic. This system has resulted in high recycling rates and reduced landfill waste. The program demonstrates how education and accessible infrastructure can drive successful recycling programs.
San Francisco, USA – plastic bag ban and recycling initiatives
San Francisco’s approach combines regulation with a robust recycling infrastructure.
San Francisco was one of the first major US cities to ban plastic bags. This city ordinance significantly reduced plastic waste. The city also has an advanced waste management system that includes mandatory recycling and composting for residents and businesses.
The city’s plastic recycling efforts are supported by Recology, a waste management company that has pioneered the sorting and processing of plastics.
Kerala, India – Kudumbashree plastic recycling program
In Kerala, the Kudumbashree mission has developed a successful plastic recycling program. Women involved in this program collect, sort, and recycle plastic waste from their communities.
The collected plastic is then processed into products such as bags and furniture, creating a circular economy. This program not only addresses plastic waste but also provides economic opportunities for women.
Sydney, Australia – Return and Earn program
Sydney’s Return and Earn program has become a model for plastic bottle recycling. The program incentivizes residents to return plastic bottles and containers to designated reverse vending machines in exchange for a small refund.
This initiative has led to a significant increase in recycling rates. Billions of containers have been recycled since its 2017 beginning. The program’s success lies in its simplicity and the direct incentive offered to consumers.
Copenhagen, Denmark – plastic recycling in construction
Copenhagen has integrated plastic recycling into its construction industry. The city recycles plastic waste into building materials, such as insulation and piping. By repurposing plastic in this way, this initiative both reduces the city’s plastic waste and promotes sustainable construction practices.
Recife, Brazil – Urban recycling co-ops
Recife established a network of urban recycling cooperatives to manage plastic waste. These co-ops are run by local waste pickers who collect, sort, and sell recyclable plastics.
The city provides support in the form of training and access to markets for recycled products. This grassroots approach has proven effective in managing plastic waste and empowering local communities.
The importance of comprehensive local initiatives
Each of these initiatives highlights the importance of community involvement, education, economic incentives, and innovative uses of recycled materials.
By adopting these successful programs, other locales, states, and nations can improve their plastic recycling efforts and contribute to a more sustainable future.
