Over the last few months, we have explored innovative ways to reduce waste and discovered promising steps toward a more sustainable future, including turning waste into energy and creating edible cutlery. As we close July, we present a special feature on “Waste Management Around the World.” So, what are other countries doing?
The best countries for recycling:
According to statistics published late last year, Germany holds a high spot for recycling rates worldwide, with an estimated rate of over 70%. They have achieved this through several measures, including the Green Dot policy. This policy holds companies responsible for the waste produced by their packaging by requiring them to pay a fee, which has led to reduced packaging. Additionally, Germany employs a structured five-bin system to ensure maximum waste segregation.
Wales also ranks among the best in the world for recycling, with a rate of over 65%. Despite its small size, Wales has made significant strides in sustainability, driven by government policies and a goal of zero waste by 2050, which has fostered a more sustainable mindset among its population.
South Korea and Austria are also top performers in recycling, while the UK currently ranks 11th.
We’ve looked at the best, now let’s explore the other end of the scale,
The worst countries for waste & recycling:
Plastic waste is a significant global issue because it does not biodegrade and can take up to 1,000 years to break down, causing harm to wildlife, the environment, and human health.
According to worldpopulationreview.com, China produces the most plastic waste, generating over 37 million tonnes per year, followed by the United States with 22 million tonnes, India with 7 million tonnes, and Brazil with nearly 5 million tonnes.
While China tops the chart for plastic waste, it is noteworthy that they have made significant reductions. In 2010, China produced almost 60 million tonnes of plastic waste. Recognizing the unsustainability of this trend, China implemented a ban on single-use and non-degradable plastics in all major cities by the end of 2022. By 2016, the amount of plastic waste had decreased to just over 21 million tonnes.
As we’ve seen, different countries are taking various approaches to waste management and recycling, with some leading the way through innovative policies and high recycling rates while others grapple with significant waste challenges.
The UK’s position at number 11 in the global recycling rankings shows that there is still room for improvement:
- Increase Awareness: The UK government and various local councils already run educational campaigns to promote recycling, but continuous efforts and updates to these programs are essential.
- Simplify Recycling: Efforts to standardize recycling guidelines across the UK are ongoing, though there are still inconsistencies between different local authorities.
- Improve Collection Systems: Investment in advanced waste collection and sorting technologies can always be increased to boost efficiency.
- Hold Producers Accountable: The UK is planning to introduce an EPR scheme, which will make producers responsible for the full lifecycle of their products.
- Develop Recycling Markets: The UK is investing in recycling infrastructure and markets, but this is an area that needs continuous development.
- Expand Bans: The UK has already banned certain single-use plastics, such as straws, stirrers, and cotton buds, and plans to expand this ban.
- Zero Waste Goals: The UK has set various waste reduction targets, including a target of zero avoidable waste by 2050.
As we move forward, adopting and refining these strategies will be crucial for the UK to enhance its recycling efforts, reduce waste, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.