Recycling Plastic Is Nearly Impossible and Getting Worse

A rising tide of environmental and human plastic pollution testifies to the industry's myth that society is recycling and reusing plastic products. Instead, it is nearly impossible to accomplish.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• According to the 2022 Greenpeace report on the state of plastic in the U.S., recycling is impractical, expensive and toxic, and the majority of plastic in the recycle bins is going to landfills

• The amount of plastic recycled dropped to a new low of between 5% and 6%, and this number is likely lower based on lost plastic collected under t…