A poll conducted by RG Strategies for the PLASTICS industry association surveyed 1,200 U.S. voters about their opinions on recycling, with some surprising results. A majority of respondents, 67%, said that they strongly agree with the statement “I care more that a plastic item doesn’t end up as trash or litter than which process is used to recycle it.” Another 23% chose “somewhat agree.”

It is well established that recycling processes vary widely in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and other environmental impacts. Depending on these quantities and if virgin resin production is displaced, they may be more or less sustainable than traditional waste management. But according to most, the appeal of circularity for circularity’s sake is sufficient.

Evidently landfill and litter, are, in the public consciousness, the worst-case scenario for waste management. It is worth mentioning that the survey was conducted in February, before a fire at an Indiana recycling facility forced 2,000 people out of their homes. Further study could explore if such disasters favorably influence opinion concerning landfills and other traditional waste management.

To read the full story, visit https://www.ptonline.com/blog/post/national-survey-reveals-surprising-opinions-about-recycling-plastic.
Author: Matt Stonecash, Plastics Technology Magazine
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Sponsor