How Does Plastic Scrap Recycling Help the Society and Environment?

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Plastics have become one of the most widely used materials in modern society, playing a crucial role in manufacturing everything from everyday household items to complex industrial components. Their popularity stems from factors such as affordability, ease of production, and versatility. However, this widespread use has also led to a growing environmental challenge: plastic pollution. With so much plastic being produced and discarded, it's no surprise that recycling has become more important than ever. In the United States, where plastic consumption is among the highest globally, the need for effective plastic scrap recycling has never been greater. But why exactly is plastic recycling so vital? And how does it benefit both society and the environment? Let’s explore these questions in detail.

Why Is Plastic Scrap Recycling Necessary?

The United States is one of the largest consumers of bottled water in the world. In 2012 alone, Americans consumed over 9.67 billion gallons of bottled water, showing a significant increase compared to previous years. This high demand for bottled products contributes to the massive amount of plastic waste generated each year. As a result, recycling has become a critical solution to reduce the environmental impact of plastic consumption.

The Social and Environmental Impact of Plastic Scrap Recycling

According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plastics accounted for about 12% of total municipal solid waste in 2007, rising to 13% by 2013. That means millions of tons of plastic are generated annually, and without proper recycling, this waste continues to accumulate in landfills, oceans, and natural ecosystems.

There are numerous benefits to recycling plastic, including:

    • Energy Conservation: Producing new plastic requires significant energy, often derived from non-renewable sources like fossil fuels. A study by the Pacific Institute found that making a single pint of bottled water uses 2000 times more energy than producing the same amount of tap water. On the other hand, recycling just one ton of plastic can save approximately 7,200 kilowatt-hours of electricity, along with 685 gallons of oil and 98 million Btu’s of energy. These savings help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve valuable resources.

    • Reducing Landfill Waste: Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and they occupy a large amount of space in landfills. By recycling, we can significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills. For example, one ton of recycled plastic can save around 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space, helping to extend the life of these facilities and reduce environmental contamination.

    • Preserving Wildlife and Ecosystems: Plastic waste poses a serious threat to marine life and other wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic debris for food or become entangled in plastic bags and fishing nets. Sea turtles, for instance, often confuse plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to fatal consequences. Recycling helps prevent this type of pollution, protecting both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

    • Creating Employment Opportunities: The plastic recycling industry not only helps the environment but also supports job creation. According to some studies, recycling 10,000 tons of plastic generates 36 jobs, while disposal creates only 6. From material sorting to logistics and chemical processing, the recycling sector offers diverse employment opportunities. As the industry grows, it continues to provide stable, well-paying jobs for many people across the country.

If you're involved in manufacturing or using plastics on a regular basis, considering recycled materials could be a smart choice. Using recycled plastic not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports sustainable practices. If you're looking for reliable suppliers of recycled plastics, Mid Continent Plastics is a trusted name in the industry. They offer a wide range of eco-friendly recycled materials suitable for various applications. Whether you're looking to cut costs or reduce your environmental impact, choosing recycled plastics is a step in the right direction.

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