How recycling can help the climate and other facts

Every year, the world's waste management systems grapple with an estimated 11 billion tonnes of solid waste. A significant portion of this waste ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans, contributing to environmental degradation. The push to recycle plastics, glass, paper, and electronics is a crucial step towards reducing this waste. However, the complexity of what can and cannot be recycled often confuses consumers.

Despite extensive coverage on recycling guidelines by the BBC, there are aspects of recycling that remain less understood. Here are three intriguing facts about recycling that might surprise you:

1. The Gold Mine in Electronic Waste

Annually, a staggering amount of electronic waste is discarded globally. In 2019 alone, 53.6 million tonnes of smartphones, computers, televisions, and other household appliances were thrown away. This figure is equivalent to 350 Queen Mary 2 cruise ships and weighs more than all adults in Europe combined. The pile is expected to grow to 74 million tonnes by 2030.

These discarded devices contain a surprising amount of precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, which are currently going to waste. According to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor, only 17.4% of electronic waste is collected and recycled. Extracting valuable metals from one tonne of smartphones yields 70kg of copper, 15kg of lithium, 1kg of silver, and 235g of gold, enough to make between 26-78 wedding rings.

2. The Truth About Cleaning Your Recycling

Most recycling facilities handle the cleaning process, including washing and an extrusion process to remove impurities. You don't need to worry about removing plastic caps or labels, as these are typically not recyclable. However, metal caps from wine or beer bottles should be placed in separate bins.

3. The Environmental Impact of Recycling

Recycling is a climate-friendly practice, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 700 million tonnes annually. While some recycling processes produce greenhouse gases, they also save natural resources and fossil fuels used in plastic production. For instance, recycling one tonne of paper saves 17 trees and reduces water usage in manufacturing by 50%.

Recycling has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 10.4-11.2Gt of CO2e between 2020-2050, equivalent to Japan's annual emissions. Additionally, composting food waste reduces carbon emissions by 14% compared to landfill disposal, and reducing food waste by keeping leftovers can further decrease these emissions.

Conclusion

Recycling and composting are not just about conserving resources; they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. By understanding the value of electronic waste and the benefits of composting, we can make more informed decisions about waste management, contributing to a healthier planet.

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