Let's Talk Plastic

The world produces 385 million tons of plastic each year and 91% of that plastic never gets recycled. Check out our infographic that highlights some of the issues and solutions to help combat the plastic problem.

Global Plastic Waste by Disposal

Estimated share of global plastic waste by disposal method.

Plastic Waste that is Inadequately Managed

Inadequately disposed waste is not formally managed and includes disposal in dumps or open, uncontrolled landfills, where it is not fully contained. Inadequately managed waste has high risk of polluting rivers and oceans.

Projected Waste Generation by Region

The Types of Plastic We Can Recycle

Not all plastics are created equal. We have the ability to recycle all types of plastic, including the difficult to recycle plastic types 3-7.

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Often used for soda bottles, water bottles and many common food packages.

2. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): Mostly used for packaging detergents, bleach, milk containers, hair care products and motor oil.

3. Polyvinylchlorid (PVC): This stuff is everywhere – pipes, toys, furniture, packaging and very hard to recycle.

4. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): Used for many different kinds of wrapping, grocery bags and sandwich bag.

5. Poly-Propylene (PP): Clothing, bottles, tubs and ropes.

6. Polystyrene (PS): Cups, foam food trays, packing peanuts. Polystyrene (also known as styrofoam) is a real problem as it’s bulky yet very lightweight and that makes it difficult to recycle.

7. Miscellaneous Plastics (Others): Could be a mixture of any and all of the above or plastics not readily recyclable.

Recylables

The Brightmark Challenge

The challenge is a yearlong call for everyone to reduce their waste — with mini-challenges, resources, and events to help you, your family, and your business learn about waste solutions, recycling, and renewable resources. Make Your Mark and take the Brightmark Challenge- you’ll help make a brighter future for us all.

JOIN NOW
Join the Brightmark Challenge

Waste & Recycling Facts & Figures

Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.

In 2018, the U.S. generated 35.7 million
tons of plastic products.*

Every year, Americans dump over
27 million tons of plastic into landfills.**

The U.S. throws away enough plastic
to circle the earth 4 times.***

The U.S. curbside recycling system collects less than ⅓ of our recyclable materials.¹

At least 8 million tons of plastic end
up in our oceans every year.²

By 2050 there will be more plastic
in the ocean than fish.³

Got Plastic? Contact us today if your locality is interested in partnering with us on an advanced plastics renewal recycling facility.