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.
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.
Plastic by the Numbers
Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years.
Plastic production increased exponentially from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons in 2015. Production is expected to double again by 2050.
Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.
Plastics often contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable. But many of these additives can extend the life of products if they become litter, with some estimates that it takes 400 years for plastic to break down.
