Is Recycling a Lie? Only 9% of Plastic Is Actually Recycled!

Did you know that recycling is NOT the solution to pollution? That’s right—what you’ve been told might just be a big lie.

Here’s the truth: less than 10% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. Even if we recycled everything recyclable, there are still materials that can’t be reused. A study from the University of California in 2020 revealed that most of the waste we produce ends up in landfills or the ocean, not in recycling plants. So why do big companies keep pushing recycling as the answer? Because it lets them keep making money while avoiding real change.

But here’s what you can do to make a difference:

Choose products with minimal or no packaging—look for brands that prioritize sustainability.

Support companies that use truly eco-friendly materials, like biodegradable or reusable options.

Small actions like these can send a powerful message to businesses: we demand better.

If you found this eye-opening, hit that follow button to support more content like this. And now, tell me in the comments: What’s one small change you’re making to reduce waste? Let’s share ideas and inspire each other.

Sources

University of California (2020). "The Plastic Waste Crisis: Recycling Myths and Realities."

National Geographic (2018). "Only 9% of Plastic Has Ever Been Recycled."