Yet another problem with recycling: It spews microplastics

EnlargeGetty Images

The plastics industry has long hyped recycling, even though it is well awarethat it’s been a failure. Worldwide, only 9 percent of plastic waste actually gets recycled. In the United States, the rate is now 5 percent. Most used plastic is landfilled, incinerated, or winds up drifting around the environment.

Now, an alarming new study has found that even when plastic makes it to a recycling center, it can still end up splintering into smaller bits that contaminate the air and water. This pilot study focused on a single new facility where plastics are sorted, shredded, and melted

→ Continue reading at Ars Technica

Related articles

Comments

Share article

Latest articles