Why is less than 10% of the world’s plastic being recycled?
A Shift in Perspective
Plastic is often treated as a post-consumption problem. But the real opportunity lies upstream in how we design, price, and value plastic before it becomes waste.
The conversation can’t just be about how much we recycle. It has to be about who is enabled to recycle, and how they are supported to do so. Until then, the 10% is a reflection of who our systems are built for.
A new OECD report reveals that less than 10% of plastic is recycled globally, a figure unchanged for decades despite major investments. Recycling fails largely due to systemic issues: most plastics aren't designed for recycling, virgin plastic remains cheaper, and informal waste workers—responsible for 58% of global recovery—are rarely acknowledged or supported.
99% of plastic comes from fossil fuels, highlighting economic and structural challenges beyond environmental concerns. The push for a circular economy often ignores equity, and integration of informal waste collectors is critical yet lacking. Experience at Plastics For Change shows that recycling systems focused on livelihoods outperform those built solely around logistics, improving quality and impact.
To surpass the 10% barrier, three priorities are key:
· Redesign products for recyclability: Packaging still prioritizes shelf appeal over end-of-life recovery; policies must enforce recyclable design.
· Make recycled plastic cost-competitive: Adjust subsidies, carbon pricing, or taxes to bridge the price gap with virgin material.
· Formalize informal work: Integrate waste pickers into formal supply chains, offering protections, training, and market access.
Ultimately, solutions lie upstream—in how plastic is designed, priced, and valued before it becomes waste. Improving recycling means enabling and supporting all who recover plastic, not just increasing collection rates. Plastics For Change aims to reshape these systems, focusing on trust, dignity, and value throughout the supply chain.
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