Recycle packaging to reprocess materials into useful products. Improper disposal risks plastic leakage into the environment and contamination of waste streams.
It is estimated that only 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Behaviour change can help increased demand for recyclable plastics.
Here are some things you can do:
> Consider the other Rs before making a decision to dispose of the products.
> Learn what materials can be recycled in the region and responsibly dispose of materials. For example, in the UK, it’s hard for waste processors to identify black plastic packaging to be recycled.
> Demand access to better waste infrastructure and collection.
> Learn what recycling labels mean and follow instructions to correctly dispose of items.
> Spread our key messages to encourage action from government, businesses and standard-setters and labelling organisations to improve sustainability communications on labels.
Businesses can use distinctive labelling and pair with consumer education to encourage responsible disposal.
Governments can invest in national level recycling and waste management infrastructure and waste collection.