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, finding their way into countless everyday products and industrial applications. Their popularity stems from a combination of factors such as ease of production, low cost, and high versatility. From food packaging to electronics and furniture, plastics are everywhere—making them an essential part of our lives. However, this widespread use also means that managing plastic waste has become a critical challenge. With millions of tons of plastic ending up in landfills and oceans each year, plastic pollution is now one of the most pressing environmental issues we face. This has made plastic recycling more important than ever. But why is plastic scrap recycling gaining so much attention in the USA? What role does it play in protecting the environment and supporting communities? Keep reading to discover the answers.

Why Is Plastic Scrap Recycling Important?

The United States is one of the largest consumers of bottled water, with over 9.67 billion gallons consumed in 2012 alone. This staggering figure highlights the massive amount of plastic waste generated annually. As a result, plastic recycling has become not just beneficial, but necessary for sustainable development. With growing awareness of environmental issues, many individuals and businesses are looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint—and recycling is a powerful tool in that effort.

The Benefits of Plastic Scrap Recycling

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plastic waste accounted for around 12% of total municipal solid waste in 2007, rising to 13% by 2013. That equates to over 30 million tons of plastic being discarded each year. Recycling these materials offers numerous benefits, both environmentally and economically.

    • Energy Conservation: Producing new plastic requires significant energy, especially when derived from petroleum-based resources. A study by the Pacific Institute found that manufacturing a single pint of bottled water uses 2000 times more energy than producing the same amount of tap water. Recycling, on the other hand, significantly reduces energy consumption. For instance, recycling 1 ton of plastic can save approximately 7,200 kilowatt-hours of electricity, 685 gallons of oil, and 98 million Btu’s of energy. These savings help conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    • Reduces Landfill Space: Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, and they occupy a large volume in landfills. By recycling, we can minimize the amount of plastic waste that ends up in these sites. In fact, recycling 1 ton of plastic can save about 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space. This not only helps extend the lifespan of existing landfills but also reduces the need for new ones, which can have negative environmental impacts.

    • Preserves Wildlife and Ecosystems: Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. Animals often mistake plastic debris for food or become entangled in plastic waste, leading to injury or death. Sea turtles, for example, frequently confuse plastic bags for jellyfish, while seabirds may ingest microplastics that can be fatal. Recycling helps prevent this kind of harm by reducing the amount of plastic that enters our oceans and natural habitats.

    • Creates Employment Opportunities: The recycling industry is a major source of jobs, often providing more employment opportunities than traditional waste disposal methods. According to some reports, recycling 10,000 tons of plastic creates 36 jobs, compared to just 6 jobs if the same amount were simply disposed of. The sector supports a wide range of roles, from sorting and processing to logistics and chemical engineering. As demand for recycled materials grows, so too will job creation in this field.

If you're involved in manufacturing or using plastics regularly, considering recycled materials could be a smart and responsible choice. Not only does it help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also supports a healthier environment and stronger economy. When choosing recycled plastics, it's important to work with a reliable supplier. Mid Continent Plastics is a trusted distributor of high-quality recycled plastics in the USA, offering a wide range of eco-friendly options for businesses and industries. Whether you're looking for sustainability or cost-efficiency, partnering with a reputable company like Mid Continent Plastics can make a real difference.

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