How Does Plastic Scrap Recycling Help the Society and Environment?

July 04 03:32:03, 2025

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 several key advantages: they are easy to shape, cost-effective to produce, and highly versatile. As a result, plastic has become an essential part of our daily lives, found in products like bottles, packaging, bags, and even electronics. However, this widespread usage has also led to a major environmental challenge—plastic pollution. With millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans each year, recycling has never been more important. But why is plastic scrap recycling becoming so vital, especially in the United States? What benefits does it bring to both the environment and society? Let's explore these questions in detail.

Why Is Plastic Scrap Recycling Important?

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, a significant increase from the previous year. This high consumption rate highlights the massive amount of plastic waste generated annually, making recycling a critical solution for reducing environmental impact.

The Social and Environmental Impact of Plastic Scrap Recycling

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plastic waste made up about 12% of total municipal solid waste in 2007 and increased to 13% by 2013. That means over 30 million tons of plastic were discarded each year, with only a fraction being recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or pollutes natural ecosystems. Recycling helps reduce this burden and offers multiple benefits.

  • Energy Conservation: Producing new plastic requires a lot of energy, often derived from fossil fuels. A study by the Pacific Institute showed that producing a single pint of bottled water uses 2,000 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, 685 gallons of oil, and 98 million Btu’s of energy. These savings help conserve non-renewable resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Reduces Landfill Waste: Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, and its bulky nature makes it a major contributor to landfill overcrowding. By recycling, we can significantly reduce the volume of plastic in landfills. One ton of recycled plastic can save up to 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space, which is a substantial benefit for waste management systems.
  • Preserves Wildlife and Ecosystems: Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to marine life and wildlife. Animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion that can be fatal. Additionally, plastic nets and bags can entangle sea creatures, causing injury or death. Recycling helps prevent these harmful effects and protects biodiversity.
  • Creates Employment Opportunities: The recycling industry not only helps the environment but also supports job creation. Studies show that recycling 10,000 tons of plastic generates 36 jobs, compared to just 6 jobs created through disposal. From sorting and processing to transportation and chemical treatment, the sector offers diverse employment opportunities. As demand for sustainable materials grows, so do the job prospects in the recycling industry.

If you're involved in manufacturing or production, consider using recycled plastics as a sustainable alternative. Not only does it help reduce your carbon footprint, but it also contributes to a healthier planet and stronger communities. When looking for reliable sources of recycled plastics, choose a reputable distributor. Mid Continent Plastics is one of the leading suppliers of eco-friendly recycled plastics in the USA, offering a wide range of high-quality materials for various applications.

RFQ- mid continent

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