Single-stream recycling simplifies the process for consumers, allowing various recyclable materials to be disposed of in one bin. However, this system leads to a significant amount of contamination and inefficiencies in sorting. Studies reveal that between 15% to 25% of collected recyclables are discarded in landfills. The challenge of recycling plastics is particularly pronounced, as less than 10% of the plastic waste in the U.S. is effectively recycled, underscoring the need for improved recycling systems and technologies.
Only about 9% of the plastic generated in the U.S. actually gets recycled, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
In cities that use single-stream recycling, consumers put all of their recyclable materials into a single bin, making recycling easy but complex.
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