Myths vs. Facts – The Reality of Recycling

Every year on Global Recycling Day, we recognize the crucial role recycling plays in conserving resources and reducing waste. However, while recycling is an essential step toward sustainability, it is often misunderstood and not always done right. Many misconceptions lead to improper recycling, reducing its impact and effectiveness.

Let’s debunk some common myths and uncover the facts about recycling.

Myth #1: Everything That Goes Into the Recycling Bin Gets Recycled

Fact: A large percentage of materials placed in recycling bins never actually get recycled. Contamination, inefficient sorting, and lack of proper infrastructure mean that up to 25% of recyclables end up in landfills. Proper sorting and cleaning are critical to ensuring recyclables are processed correctly.

What You Can Do:

• Rinse containers before tossing them in the bin

• Follow local recycling guidelines to avoid contamination

• Avoid "wish-cycling"—don’t throw in non-recyclables hoping they’ll get processed

  
  

Myth #2: Recycling Is the Ultimate Solution to Waste Management

Fact: Recycling is a tool, not the solution. While it helps manage waste, it doesn’t address the root issue—overconsumption. Recycling still requires energy, water, and resources, making it less sustainable than reducing waste in the first place. The priority should always be: Reduce, Reuse, THEN Recycle.

What You Can Do:

• Choose products with minimal or no packaging

• Opt for reusable alternatives (bags, bottles, containers)

• Support brands that use sustainable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials

  
  

Myth #3: Plastic Recycling Is Efficient and Effective

Fact: Only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, oceans, or incinerators. Unlike materials like glass and metal, plastic degrades in quality each time it is recycled, limiting its reuse. Plastic recycling is also complex and costly, making it an unreliable solution.

What You Can Do:

• Reduce plastic use as much as possible

• Support policies that promote compostable or biodegradable alternatives

• Choose truly recyclable materials like paper, glass, and aluminum

  
  

Myth #4: Paper Is Always Better Than Plastic Because It’s Recyclable

Fact: While paper has a higher recycling rate and is biodegradable, its production requires more energy and water than plastic. However, using recycled paper significantly reduces this impact, making it a better choice when sourced responsibly.

What You Can Do:

• Choose recycled paper products

• Reduce unnecessary paper use (go digital when possible!)

• Support companies using FSC-certified or sustainable paper sources

Myth #5: If It Has a Recycling Symbol, It Can Be Recycled

Fact: The recycling symbol (♻️) doesn’t always mean an item is recyclable everywhere. Some plastics, like Styrofoam and black plastic, are rarely recycled due to a lack of processing facilities.

What You Can Do:

• Learn which numbers inside the recycling symbol are accepted in your area

• Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible

• Advocate for improved local recycling infrastructure

  
  

Recycling: A Step, Not the Destination

Recycling plays a vital role in reducing waste, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. To truly make an impact, we need to move toward a circular economy—where materials are designed to be reused, repurposed, or composted, minimizing waste at its source.

This Global Recycling Day, let’s not just talk about recycling—let’s do it right. ♻️💚

What are your thoughts on recycling? Share in the comments!