In the realm of waste management, a pause has descended upon the recycling of paper, cardboard, and plastic.Like a suspended symphony, this temporary cessation has left many wondering what the crescendo will sound like when the rhythm of recycling resumes. The once-familiar clatter of bins and the steady hum of processing plants have been silenced, replaced by a quiet contemplation of our relationship with these ubiquitous materials.
– The Pause in Paper, Cardboard, and Plastic Recycling: understanding the Crisis
As the beginning of the pandemic, the paper and cardboard recycling rate has plunged by 26%, while the plastic recycling rate has dropped by 9%. The reasons for this sharp drop-off are multifaceted:
Increased contamination: With more people staying home and ordering goods online, the amount of non-recyclable materials, such as food scraps and plastic bags, has increased in recycling bins.
Fewer consumers recycling: With many people working from home or facing financial hardship, less paper and packaging is being generated and recycled.
* Reduced demand for recycled materials: The pandemic has led to a decline in economic activity, reducing the demand for recycled materials from manufacturers.
The impact of this drop-off is notable.Landfills are filling up faster, and the habitat is suffering. Recycled materials are an important source of raw materials for manufacturing new products and they also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. if the recycling rate continues to decline, it will have a negative impact on the environment and the economy
