The Evolution of Recycling

Over the last 50 years, recycling in the United States has made significant advancements. These advancements have been driven by increased awareness of environmental issues and the need to reduce waste. 

One of the biggest advancements in recycling over the past 50 years has been the increase in recycling rates. In the 1960s, recycling was almost non-existent in the United States, but the recycling rate increased to 35% in 2018 from 14.5% in 1980. 

Another major advancement in recycling has been the expansion of recycling programs. In the past, recycling was primarily limited to paper and metal products, but today, recycling programs have expanded to include a wide range of materials, including plastics, glass, and electronic waste. Additionally, the implementation of single-stream recycling allows residents to place all of their recyclables in one bin, making recycling more convenient and accessible.

Advancements in technology have also played a significant role in the development of recycling. New technologies have been developed to make the recycling process more efficient and effective. For example, optical sorting technology is now used to sort different types of materials more accurately and efficiently. There have been many advancements in plastic recycling technology, including chemical recycling and the development of new types of plastics that can be more easily recycled.

In 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to protect human health and the environment. The EPA has played a key role in advancing recycling by establishing guidelines and regulations for recycling programs and providing funding for recycling initiatives.

Over the past 50 years, there has also been a significant increase in education and awareness about the importance of recycling. This education and awareness have helped to change attitudes and behaviors toward recycling, making it a more common practice.

In the past ten years, many companies have created sustainable packaging programs to reduce waste and increase recycling rates. These programs focus on reducing packaging waste and making packaging materials more recyclable.

Advancements have been driven by increased awareness of environmental issues, the expansion of recycling programs, improved technology, the creation of the EPA, and education and awareness. While there is still more work to be done, these advancements have helped to conserve natural resources and reduce waste, making a positive impact on the environment.