4 Charts Exposing America's Colossal Failure on Plastics Recycling

Less than 6% of US plastics were recycled in 2021, according to a new report

Inspiration meets innovation at Brandweek, the ultimate marketing experience. Join industry luminaries, rising talent and strategic experts in Phoenix, Arizona this September 23–26 to assess challenges, develop solutions and create new pathways for growth. Register early to save.

Plastic recycling isn’t working—and it’s worse than we thought.

A new report by environmental nonprofit The Last Beach Cleanup and research group Beyond Plastics found that plastics recycling in the U.S. dropped to between 5% and 6% in 2021. That’s down from the last official numbers that the EPA published in 2020 showing that just under 9% of plastics were recycled in 2018.

“The plastics industry must stop lying to the public about plastics recycling. It does not work, it never will work, and no amount of false advertising will change that,” Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and former U.S.

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in