Plastic recycling system crisis

World famous investor Warren Buffet recently remarked that, for the plastics recycling industry, the COVID-19 pandemic could be likened to a tide going out, exposing the previously hidden and deep rooted structural problems of the entity. This was demonstrated by the reaction of plastic manufacturers toward the rapid decrease in oil price caused by COVID-19 – as most manufacturer’s abused this opportunity to greatly increase their inventory by rapid increasing their manufacturing operations. Changes like this are the main reason for growing pollutants from new plastic manufacturing, which have very poor effects for the fitness of our planet. Movements such as banning single-use plastic plates and bags can seemingly ease the burden of growing plastic waste, however, in reality, the ensuing unexpected proliferation of other single-use objects can lead to an even worse resulting environment.  

A tracking device which could nicely tune how plastics waft throughout specific nations will assist us to higher recognize in which rules can be needed. What`s more, we ought to sell sustainable plastic waste control inside nations through making it economically viable to recycle plastics, even in locations with little recycling infrastructure. By taxing plastic packaging that consists of much less than 30% recycled material at £0. 20 per with kilogram, the authorities can manufacture a clean incentive for corporations to take advantage of recycled plastic whilst also making plans to adapt their current product offerings.

Although it could be some years before the results of those taxes emerg, each tax is likely to spur upgrades in plastic recycling – particularly with respect to lower costs and more effective facilities. But if measures like those are to be successful, tracking structures must be installed area to ensure corporations are not abusing loopholes to get around the law mandates. Conventions on how plastic waste ought to be treated, in addition to attitudes toward casual waste pickers, starting from reputation to stigma, have an effect on the manner plastic waste control structures operate. If we need to rid our beautiful environment of accumulated plastic waste, we need to encourage the idea of a universally understood and controlled method of destroying and preventing plastic waste.

Reference:

Iacovidou, E. and Ebner, N. (n.d.). The plastic recycling system is broken – here’s how we can fix it. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/the-plastic-recycling-system-is-broken-heres-how-we-can-fix-it-167657 [Accessed 28 Oct. 2021].