Recycling is a Vital Strategy to Tackle Plastic Waste and Create a Circular Economy

Plastic waste is a major environmental challenge that requires bold, comprehensive solutions including reduction, reuse, and recycling. We can reduce our use of plastic, institute reuse programs, and still recycle more. Providing thousands of jobs across the US, every year recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills and ensures more products are made from recycled material, and less from virgin plastic.

While progress is being made, there is still much work to be done. We need to increase collection, improve packaging design, and commit to replacing new plastic with recycled plastic. APR works with companies across the recycling supply chain, as well as NGOs and policy makers, to continue the momentum and drive change. Recycling remains an important part of the system to build a more sustainable world.

Why Recycling is Important

Recycling and using recycled material is good for manufacturers, consumers, and the planet. It not only protects the environment, but also strengthens the economy. When we recycle, we use less of the Earth's finite resources, less energy to extract and process virgin materials, and create jobs in a growing industry.

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Recycling is Part of the System to Tackle Plastic Waste

Recycling is not the only solution to tackle plastic waste and create a circular economy. It is part of a larger system of strategies, actions, and policies to reduce waste. While originally based on the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), the entire system has expanded, and continues to address new challenges and ongoing innovation. APR remains focused on our role within that system – improving recycling for plastics.

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How Recycling Works

Recycling is a complex, reverse supply chain that begins in millions of households when an empty container is tossed in a bin. But what happens after the blue bin? Where does the material go, and how is it transformed into recycled plastic? It’s a fascinating journey, and understanding the process is the first step in improving it.

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