On average, six in 10 Americans made incorrect assumptions about the recyclability of common plastic food delivery containers. Here’s how to figure out which bin your plastic trash goes in.
Americans may have the best intentions when it comes to recycling. We’re just not that good at it, despite decades of trying.
All of these factors are, in fact, true, but if knowledge is power, we can all stand to learn more about recycling basics. The issue is attracting attention on social media and among recycling advocates as Monday marks “America Recycles Day” and as a major U.N. global conference on climate change, pollution and ocean health wrapped in Scotland over the weekend.
“You wouldn’t know by looking at them, but most takeout containers aren’t recyclable. Despite featuring the ‘chasing arrows’ symbol, which has become synonymous with recyclability, most of these products aren’t accepted in the recycling across many communities — talk about confusing,” said Nick Mallos, senior director of Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas program.
Confusion over recycling is made worse by the sheer surge in the number of takeout containers used in the U.S. Americans were already ordering takeout food at an increasing rate before the pandemic, McKinsey reports, but restaurant restrictions during COVID-19 accelerated the trend. The pandemic shutdown more than doubled the business for food-delivery apps and that doesn’t even factor in diners willing to pop into their favorite eateries and carry out their order.
Ocean Conservancy says its recent poll found that one in six Americans support the passage of local ordinances improving recyclability standards for food delivery packaging so that consumers are empowered to recycle better.
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