The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) launched a new initiative to increase visibility into the plastic recycling process in the U.S. as well as its economic and environmental benefits: Recycling in Action.
Starting in late April and continuing throughout the month of May, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and plastic recycling facilities across the U.S. will open their doors to the public for tours and information sessions to showcase what happens after recyclables are picked up from the curb.
A look into the plastics recycling process
Manufacturing products with recycled plastic instead of virgin plastic reduces reliance on fossil fuels and uses less energy than producing new plastic from raw materials, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. A strong North American recycling system reduces dependence on imported materials, builds a more reliable, self-sustaining supply chain, keeps valuable resources circulating within the U.S. economy, and creates jobs.
This strong combination of both economic and environmental benefits is why it is critical for state governments and Congress to adopt policies to improve recycling. Stronger recycling for plastics and other materials will create jobs, reduce pollution, and strengthen America’s manufacturing capacity. These events will help demonstrate how recycling works every day and why it’s vital to invest in improving and expanding recycling.
“We believe that showing people the process of recycling in action will improve their understanding of how to recycle right. Most people know that recycling exists and may have a rough idea of what belongs in the bins, but many do not understand why some items are recyclable and some are not, and what happens to items after they are placed in a bin,” said Kara Napolitano, education director at Circular Services. “By revealing the recycling process at our facility and beyond, we aim to answer these questions and improve the public’s engagement and participation in recycling, to keep useful materials out of the trash, and to work towards a circular economy.”
“We want residents and local leaders to see firsthand how recycling works every day all across the US,” said Kate Bailey, APR chief policy officer. “Then we can talk about how smart policies can make it easier for all Americans to recycle more. Together we can almost double the recycling rates for plastics and other materials, but we must start first with rebuilding trust that recycling works each and every day.”
