Plastic and the Environment

This chapter provides a brief overview of the background of plastic, including nature and history, problems, and plastic recycling. Plastic recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment, though generally well-managed and with positive recycling potential, can propagate hazardous substances into subsequent materials and products. V. Goodship explains the details of the entire plastics recycling process, associated materials, technologies, infrastructure, and challenges. As of 2015, approximately 6,300 million tons of plastic waste had been generated, around 9% of which had been recycled, 12% was incinerated, and 79% had accumulated in landfills or the natural environment. Microplastics in the air, water, and food have many potential harmful implications for animal and human health. Plastic bags are infrequently recycled, and their light weight makes them easily carried by wind and water, creating land litter and marine debris. Geyer et al. identify common misperceptions that communities and the public have about recycling, which can negatively affect environmental evaluations, policies, and programs.