In 2025, while “recycling” logos continue to adorn millions of containers, a revealing OECD report confirms that only 9% of the plastic produced globally is actually recycled. This figure, which has barely improved since 2018, exposes the systemic flaws of a model promoted for decades as an environmental solution.
Why is the Recycling System Broken?
1. The Triangle Number Fraud
- Codes 1 to 7 (PET, HDPE, etc.) do not guarantee recyclability:
- Only types 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE) have recycling rates above 20%.
- 85% of plastic marked as “recyclable” never reaches specialized plants.
2. The Hidden Cost of Recycling
- Processing 1 ton of plastic costs $4,000 vs. $1,200 to produce new plastic
- 40% of what is deposited in blue containers is rejected due to contamination
3. The “Downcycling” Deception
- 68% of “recycled” plastic is converted into lower-quality products (such as textiles or street furniture) that cannot be recycled again
Countries That Export Their Guilt
Although the EU banned the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries in 2021:
- Malaysia continues to receive 500,000 tons/year of “plastic for recycling”
- 70% ends up in illegal landfills or burned in the open (releasing carcinogenic dioxins)
Real Alternatives in 2025
Deposit Reduction Systems (DRS)
- Germany and Norway manage to recover 98% of bottles through refunds
Materials Innovation
- Compostable bioplastics: Like Cove’s PHA, which degrades in 6 months
- Reusable packaging: Systems like Loop operate in 15 countries with major brands
New Recycling Technologies
- Mutant enzymes: Improved PETase recycles bottles in 24 hours (Carbios project)
- Cold plasma: Breaks down plastics Mixed without generating toxins (PlasMerch Project)
What You Can Do Today
- Reject “practically unrecyclable” plastics (numbers 3-7)
- Demand extended producer responsibility from your representatives
- Prioritize reuse: Use apps like Reath to find bulk stores
“Recycling was a story invented by oil companies to keep selling plastic” — Documentary Plastic Wars (2024)