Is Recycling Worth It? Pros and Cons Explained

Did you know that the average American throws out about 4.9 pounds of waste every day? That equates to around 150 pounds of waste materials per month and nearly 1800 pounds annually per person.

With numbers like these, it’s no wonder recycling is often touted as the ultimate solution. But is it really? Or is recycling a waste of time? 

Is recycling worth it?

In short, yes. The benefits of recycling generally outweigh the drawbacks. By reducing waste, living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, and making an effort to conserve natural resources, we can all contribute to creating a healthier planet and building a more sustainable future for future generations. 

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that it’s not a magic solution, as recycling efforts alone cannot solve all our environmental problems. To learn more, let’s look into the advantages and disadvantages of recycling in depth.

The pros and cons of recycling

Uncovering the truth about recycling requires a measured, unbiased, and comprehensive approach, so it’s essential to cover as many aspects as possible. We’ll start by examining recycling benefits in detail before moving on to look at the potential negative impacts of recycling programs. 

Benefits of recycling

The most commonly cited reasons to recycle include environmental benefits, economic factors, and energy conservation advantages.

Reduces waste

Recycling reduces the amount of materials that end up in landfills, waste management facilities, and incinerators.

The recycling rate varies by different products across the United States, but without our recycling programs, our nation would be sending much more waste to landfills.

Here are a few examples from data reported in 2018 by the Environmental Protection Agency:

• Glass beer and soft drink bottles – 39.6%
• Glass wine and liquor bottles – 39.8%
• Aluminum beer and soft drink cans – 50.4%
• Clothing and footwear – 13% (this does not include items donated or resold)
• Corrugated boxes – 96.5%

Conserves natural resources

Recycling materials rather than throwing items away after use reduces the need to extract raw materials like timber, water, and minerals. For instance, recycling paper saves trees, while recycling plastic reduces the demand for crude oil.

Saves energy

Manufacturing products from recycled materials generally requires less energy than extracting raw materials to make new ones. For example, recycling aluminum cans reduces the energy required to extract resources like raw bauxite ore by 95%. 

Reduces greenhouse gas emissions

The energy consumption associated with an increased recycling rate helps lower carbon dioxide emissions — a significant step in combating the effects of climate change and global warming. The amount of materials recycled between 2020 and 2050 should equate to taking over one billion cars off the streets each year.

Supports the economy

The recycling industry stimulates economic activity. But precisely how does recycling work in terms of generating revenue? The primary economic benefits lie in wages and taxes, which, in the US alone, are estimated to total around $117 billion annually. 

Creates jobs

Recycling facilities create employment opportunities worldwide in developed and developing countries alike. Here in the US, it’s estimated that recycling infrastructure creates nine times more jobs than trash.

Promotes sustainability

Every recycling program, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable economy. Reducing consumption and reusing materials conserves finite resources, helping to sustain ecosystems and biodiversity.

Reduces landfill usage

By diverting recyclable materials away from landfills, negative environmental impacts like soil and water contamination can be minimized. Plus, when incineration rates drop there’s a notable air pollution reduction, which improves human health. 

Disadvantages of recycling

With all of those benefits considered, it’s hard to imagine that efforts to reduce waste may cause more harm than good. However, there are a few downsides to consider. Let’s examine the most commonly-cited cons of recycling to learn more. 

Can be expensive

Local authorities can find it challenging to reduce pollution, manage waste disposal effectively, and use public funds responsibly. For example, curbside recycling programs are estimated to cost $40 extra per household every year. 

May produce air pollution

When not managed correctly, recycling certain materials can generate air pollution. The emissions from vehicles and equipment at recycling plants also produce air pollution, albeit in relatively small amounts.

May produce land pollution

Toxic materials may seep into land and waterways in close proximity to recycling bins and recycling facilities. 

Contamination issues

When non-recyclable materials are mixed in with recyclables, it can clog machines at the recycling facility, making processes less cost-effective and efficient. The top contaminants are plastic bags and associated items like shrink wrap and bubble wrap. 

Concerns about plastic

Is recycling plastic worth it? This is a common question due to significant grey areas surrounding the fate of plastic waste. A crucial issue is: does plastic really get recycled, or is it burned, shipped off to less developed countries, or simply sent to landfills? Addressing these concerns is crucial for assessing the real value and impact of recycling plastic.

Limited recycling markets

Not all recycled material holds the same value or demand, making certain recycling waste — like films, bags, and multi-layered packaging, for example — economically unfeasible to process. 

Can be labor-intensive

The number of labor hours required to separate and sort trash into plastics, paper, cardboard, glass bottles, and aluminum cans can be significant. 

Recycling tips for homeowners

Looking for ways to help protect our planet’s finite resources and make energy savings by adopting some recycling best practices? Here’s a quick list of top tips to get you started.

• Proper sorting – Always separate recyclable from non-recyclable materials to avoid contamination, as this reduces the amount of new raw material needed to make products.
• Composting – Recycle food waste by making a compost bin in your kitchen or yard. 
• Reduce consumption – Limit the amount of non-recyclable materials your household uses.
• Limit plastic use – For example, cut out single-use straws and use a portable thermos flask rather than buying drinks in a plastic bottle. 
• Reuse – By finding creative ways to reuse products, you can extend their life cycle while reducing the amount of trash you generate and the amount of new materials you’re responsible for creating. 
• Join local initiatives – Boost recycling rates by getting involved with recycling programs in your neighborhood.
• Buy recycled – Practice what you preach by supporting the market for recycled goods. 

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If you’re eager to learn about the pros and cons of recycling, you’re probably also interested in other ways to enhance home efficiency. Fortunately, improving your home’s energy efficiency doesn’t require expensive changes like installing solar panels or extensive retrofits. 

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