This post was originally written May 2019, and updated Sept. 2020 and June 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Most people would agree that recycling is one simple activity that allows them to do their part in bettering the environment. While 80% of people in North America might feel recycling is extremely important, according to a recent survey, they also said the top barrier to recycling better was a lack of access to programs and services. These concerns stem from an absence of recycling information and a general misunderstanding of what can and can’t be recycled. Luckily, with better information at our fingertips, we can all do our part in protecting the environment by educating ourselves, our customers, and our colleagues about the significance of effective and sustainable waste management practices as well as proper recycling techniques.

To help with this effort, we put together some useful recycling tips to keep in mind when trying to make a difference for the planet. Read on to start exploring 50 interesting recycling facts, to discover why people find recycling so difficult, and to understand how we can go about improving recycling practices now and in the future. Be sure to share our infographic below with anyone who would find it helpful and please enjoy the following educational facts, which prove that the investment in recycling knowledge is worth it!

The Problem

Nearly 30% of Americans report they do not know who to contact with questions about recycling, and almost half do not know where they can drop off recyclables. Unfortunately, improper recycling practices come at a price known as contamination, which is an issue that significantly reduces the value of recyclable materials and, most often, deems them destined for landfill. For example, one non-recyclable item (like a messy plastic bag with food residue) can contaminate an entire load of recyclable materials and force your waste hauler to send them all to landfill.

[Read our post: What Is Recycling Contamination?]

Sending waste to landfill is problematic for several reasons, but, most importantly, because doing so creates innumerable environmental and health problems in local communities. For instance, as garbage decomposes, it creates a toxic blend of liquids called leachate, which results in large amounts of pollution both in the air and in local water sources. Landfills  also account for the largest man-made source of methane gas in the United States—A powerful greenhouse gas that is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Furthermore, when we don’t recycle, the demand for natural resources needed to create new products increases. The Global Recycling Foundation noted that in 2017, we used a year's worth of these resources in only seven months, and if this trend continues we will eventually run out of these precious resources. 

[Read our post: What Is a Circular Economy?]

The Solution

Fortunately, with environmental issues becoming an increasing concern across the globe, many people are already motivated to do the right thing for the planet. A recent survey found 59% of people said they feel better about their waste habits when they purchase something made from recyclable materials and three in five respondents said they always try to make a conscious effort to repurpose or upcycle items. Businesses and individuals have an excellent opportunity to prioritize recycling education to improve recycling rates and overall sustainability practices. To get started, begin your recycling education below by familiarizing yourself with the following facts. And, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our representatives should you or your business need more expertise around how to better manage your waste and recycling, sustainably. 

Cardboard Facts 

1. Recycling cardboard only takes 75% of the energy required to make new cardboard

2. The recycling rate for cardboard in the U.S. reached a record high of nearly 97% in 2019

3. Around 80% of retailers and grocers recycle cardboard

4. 70% of corrugated cardboard is recovered for recycling

5. Approximately 100 billion cardboard boxes are produced each year in the U.S.

6. One ton of recycled cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil

7. One ton of recycled cardboard saves 9 cubic yards of landfill space

ORGANIC FACTS

8. Almost half of the food in the U.S. goes to waste—nearly 3,000 pounds per second

9. The EPA estimates more food waste goes to the landfill than any other item, making up nearly a quarter of municipal solid waste.

10. Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the U.S.

11. The value of the amount of food waste in the U.S. is estimated at more than $161 billion every year

12. About 30% of food in American grocery stores is thrown away