ZeroTrash® Revolution Blog Blog
Explore articles on recycling, waste management and sustainable habits by category
Why business recycling matters: a key to corpor...
Corporate sustainability is now a critical business priority. Both employees and customers expect companies to take action on waste reduction and environmental responsibility. While many focus on carbon reduction, improving...
Why business recycling matters: a key to corporate sustainability
Corporate sustainability is now a critical business priority. Both employees and customers expect companies to take action on waste reduction and environmental responsibility. While many focus on carbon reduction, improving business recycling – especially handling soft plastics that are not recyclable curbside – is essential for achieving measurable sustainability results and supporting long-term ESG goals. Corporate sustainability has become a major component of any company’s ESG (environmental, social, and governance) program and has become a fundamental aspect of their overall business strategy. Corporate sustainability influences the hiring process, partnership deals, and company image. Business recycling has emerged as a crucial element, helping companies reduce waste, minimize their environmental impact, and align with ESG principles. This is not only true for large corporations with formal corporate sustainability programs, but also for small to medium size companies looking to minimize their environmental footprint and align more closely with customer and employee expectations. How sustainability strengthens employer brand and customer loyalty Business sustainability practices are an essential part of corporate culture and necessary to attract top talent. A recent study by PwC revealed that "68% of job candidates say that environmental practices are important in choosing an employer". Employees want their companies to invest in sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon, using renewable energy, and reducing waste with soft plastic recycling technology. Moreover, a Deloitte study found that most employees believe their companies should contribute more to addressing climate change and sustainability. Two-thirds of employees globally report that they do not think their employers are doing enough to address climate change and don’t have enough business sustainability practices. In addition, more and more consumers expect companies to be more active in sustainability efforts. Forbes reports that "87% of consumers have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues". Consumer behavior also shows a trend in sustainable purchases and willingness to pay more for sustainable products. According to Nielsen, "55% of consumers are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies that are committed to a positive social and environmental impact". And about half of respondents (47%) in a Deloitte survey, Sustainable Consumption Trends, said they had purchased a sustainable good in the last four weeks. Business recycling as a core pillar of ESG responsibility As companies strive to meet ESG goals and reduce their environmental footprint, business recycling and waste stream management programs, including how they handle business soft plastic waste, are becoming essential. According to EPA data, 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, but only about 30% of it is recycled. While businesses produce about 25% of all the world’s waste every year, business recycling rates tend to be lower than residential. The challenge of rising plastic and soft plastic waste More than 95% of plastics generated are put in a landfill or incinerated for energy. The EPA also revealed that while plastic recycling is on the decline, the per capita generation of plastic waste increased by 263% since 1980. And what about soft plastic – or film plastic? McKinsey reports recycling rates well below 10 percent, although plastic film recycling is not widely tracked and reported. Soft plastic tends to reduce the efficiency of recycling other types of plastic, since it disrupts the sorting process when it is co-mingled with plastic bottles and other semi-rigid plastics. Soft plastics in particular disrupt sorting operations and require a separate solution like a compacting device that prepares them for proper recycling. Business recycling programs Businesses across various industries have implemented waste management programs that not only mitigate waste generation but also promote recycling, reusing materials, and fostering circular economy principles. Corporate: many companies, such as Apple, have set ambitious landfill diversion goals. Apple has committed to becoming carbon neutral for corporate operations and aspires to divert over 74% of its waste from landfills through their business recycling and reuse programs. Healthcare: University of Michigan (U-M) Health has completed a plastics recycling program at Mott Children’s hospital and the Von Voigtlander Women’s hospital. Operating room plastic was collected over a 6-month period and U-M was able to divert 2.64 tons of plastic from landfills. The program is now permanent and will be expanding. Higher Education: Virginia Tech, University of Richmond and Arizona State University are three examples of the many colleges focused on collecting and recycling soft plastic waste. Examples of film and soft plastics collected: air pillows, bread bags, bubble wrap, produce bags and shrink wrap. How to set up waste recycling programs for your business Setting up a comprehensive recycling program involves several key steps: 1. Conduct a waste audit: Check the types and quantities of waste that your company produces. This will provide a better understanding of these waste streams and the resources needed to better address them. 2. Separate recyclables: collect each type of waste separately including plastics, organics, glass, metal, cardboard and paper, and electronics. 3. Educate employees: Employee engagement is crucial. Create recycling educational programs to raise awareness and communicate how they can and should recycle at their workplace. Create easy access to recycling bins as well as simple instructions on what is recyclable and where it should be placed. 4. Set clear goals: Set specific goals for waste recycling, such as diverting 50% of your waste from landfills. Track your progress and share with your team regularly to ensure you’re moving forward with your targets.5. Collaborate with certified recycling facilities: Negotiate with local recycling centers that are certified to process specific types of waste. Ensure that they are capable of recycling the materials you are collecting. 6. Invest in technology: For some companies, the complexities of recycling in the workplace may limit employee participation. Leverage online and app-based training tools to educate employees. Further, emerging innovative technologies are also enabling a shift towards a more convenient and circular approach in recycling programs. How to improve soft plastic recycling in the workplace Soft plastics such as film wrap, delivery packaging, and snack bags make up a significant portion of office waste, yet they are not recyclable curbside. To improve recovery rates in a business environment: Collect soft plastics separately from other recyclables. Keep them clean and dry. Compact them to reduce bulk and avoid landfill overflow. Partner with recycling services capable of processing soft plastics. This structured approach improves recycling efficiency and reduces the environmental footprint of business operations. Smart solutions for efficient plastic waste management A new, innovative solution is now available that can help bolster your business recycling program by making your soft plastic waste collection more efficient and preparing it to be recycled more easily. One highly effective approach is using the Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) to compress bags, films, and packaging into dense bricks. This prevents contamination, reduces storage needs, and prepares materials for recycling rather than landfill disposal. The SPC transforms fluffy plastic packaging into a space-saving 12×8×4-inch block. The plastic brick is then processed at a dedicated recycling facility, using environmentally safe methods to give your plastics a second life and ensure the efficiency of your recycling programs. As businesses continue to implement sustainable practices like comprehensive recycling and waste management programs, the focus on diverting plastic and other waste from landfills becomes increasingly important. Through innovative technologies, employee engagement, and organized programs, companies can reduce waste, meet landfill diversion goals, and enhance their corporate sustainability efforts. Empower Your Business Recycling Program Make soft plastic waste easier to collect, store, and recycle. The Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) transforms bulky packaging into compact 12×8×4-inch blocks ready for recycling. Learn more: Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) Savvy companies are recycling more; because customers expect it and employees want to be part of it. Frequently Asked Questions Why is soft plastic challenging for business recycling programs? It cannot be recycled curbside and causes jams in sorting equipment, which reduces overall recycling efficiency. Can businesses recycle soft plastics separately? Yes, companies can collect soft plastics separately and use compacting solutions to make storage and transportation more efficient. How does a soft plastic compactor support sustainability goals? It reduces waste volume, prevents contamination, and helps companies increase landfill diversion rates while improving ESG performance. What can recycled soft plastics become? They are used to create long-lasting products such as pallets, decking materials, durable packaging, and outdoor furniture.
Tackling plastic in the healthcare industry: ch...
U.S. healthcare produces more than 5 million tons of waste every year, and plastics account for a significant portion of it. While safety and sterility require single-use items, much of...
Tackling plastic in the healthcare industry: challenges and solutions
U.S. healthcare produces more than 5 million tons of waste every year, and plastics account for a significant portion of it. While safety and sterility require single-use items, much of this plastic is still recyclable. This guide breaks down the main challenges and proven solutions that help hospitals improve soft plastic recycling and reduce operational waste. We also highlight technologies such as soft plastic compactors that make recycling more efficient in clinical settings. 5 million tons of plastic waste is generated in US healthcare annually The healthcare industry, while vital to human well-being, is a significant contributor to plastic waste. From single-use syringes and IV bags, to sterile packaging, PPE, food packaging, regular business operations, and more, the sector relies heavily on plastic materials to ensure hygiene, patient safety, efficiency and convenience. However, this reliance generates vast quantities of plastic waste – much of it non-recyclable due to contamination or mixed materials. According to a report by Healthcare Without Harm, hospitals in the U.S. produce over 5 million tons of waste annually, with plastics making up a substantial portion. To put it in perspective, 5 million tons is the equivalent of nearly 3 million midsize cars! Given the environmental urgency, healthcare sustainability professionals are increasingly seeking ways to reduce plastic use and improve recycling within their facilities. Here are six practical solutions that can make a meaningful impact: 1. Conduct a plastic waste audit A comprehensive plastic waste audit allows healthcare facilities to understand the types and volumes of plastics being used and discarded. By identifying high-waste areas, sustainability teams can target specific processes or departments for improvement. For example, operating rooms are known hotspots for single-use plastics and can benefit from focused interventions. However, we must remember that plastic plays a critical role in modern healthcare, offering numerous benefits like improved sterility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. So it’s important to not instantly demonize plastic, but instead examine how its use can be reduced or how recycling the material can be improved. A good audit will provide insight into opportunities for any healthcare facility. 2. Switch to reusable medical supplies where safe Many plastic products in healthcare are single-use for safety reasons, but some items can be safely replaced with reusable alternatives. Surgical instruments, gowns, and certain types of trays can be sterilized and reused. Hospitals should evaluate which plastic items could be replaced with reusable versions without compromising safety or compliance. 3. Implement recycling programs for clean plastics While contaminated plastics are difficult to recycle, clean plastics—such as packaging from sterile instruments—can often be recycled. Establishing a system where staff can easily separate clean from contaminated plastics encourages recycling. Partnering with specialized recycling companies can also open new avenues for processing healthcare-specific plastics. “As a research institute conducting studies on the impact of microplastics on human health, we analyzed how much non-contaminated plastic waste we were producing ourselves,” said Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director and Lead Research Scientist at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill, Maine. “We couldn’t ignore the irony and decided to take action by evaluating how we can reduce that waste and also better ensure that as much of it is recycled as possible. We’re now working with suppliers that offer lower or plastic-free packaging, but we are also soon beginning a pilot program with Clear Drop to test their Soft Plastic Compactor device, which reduces the volume of the waste by about 90% – making it much easier for us to manage and also for recyclers to collect and process for re-use.” How Healthcare Facilities Can Improve Soft Plastic Recycling Track and separate clean vs. contaminated plastics during disposal workflows. Install dedicated bins for sterilized packaging and other clean soft plastics. Compact soft plastics to reduce storage volume by up to 90% for easier collection and pickup. Partner with specialized recycling companies that accept medical-grade plastics. Empower clinical staff through sustainability education and clear visual guidance. Many hospitals are piloting compacting technologies to improve recycling logistics. A soft plastic compactor helps keep recyclables out of biohazard waste streams and significantly reduces hauling frequency. Make Soft Plastic Recycling Easier in Healthcare Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) reduces the volume of non-contaminated plastic waste by up to 90% and prepares it for responsible recycling. See how hospitals are integrating it into sustainability initiatives. 4. Source bioplastics and eco-friendly alternatives The market for biodegradable and compostable medical products is growing. Items such as bioplastic syringes, eco-friendly bedpans, and compostable packaging can replace traditional plastic counterparts. Healthcare procurement teams can prioritize suppliers who offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. 5. Staff training and engagement Sustainability initiatives succeed when staff across all levels understand their role in reducing plastic waste. Regular training sessions, visual aids near disposal areas, and recognition programs for sustainable practices help create a culture of environmental responsibility. Engaged staff are more likely to follow recycling protocols and suggest improvements. 6. Work with manufacturers for sustainable product design Healthcare institutions can leverage their purchasing power to influence manufacturers toward more sustainable designs. This includes advocating for products with minimal or recyclable packaging, modular designs that reduce material use, or take-back programs where manufacturers reclaim used products for recycling. “There’s no single solution to solving the problems that are related to plastic waste,” said Ivan Abrouzov, President and CEO of Clear Drop, Inc. “Whether it’s within healthcare or other industries, many factors have caused the issues we face, especially when it comes to recycling. It will only be through multiple solutions that we can begin to reduce waste, improve recycling and create what we like to refer to as a ZeroTrash® Lifestyle. Our technology and products are a step toward making that a reality. Whether it’s with our products or not, I encourage everybody to be part of the solution.” Reducing plastic waste in healthcare is not without its challenges – safety, regulatory compliance, and cost all play a role in shaping what’s possible. However, by adopting targeted strategies and fostering innovation, the industry can significantly reduce its plastic footprint. Collaboration between healthcare providers, manufacturers, and sustainability experts is essential for developing scalable, practical solutions that protect both human health and the environment. Make Soft Plastic Recycling Easier in Healthcare Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) helps hospitals and research facilities keep clean plastics out of biohazard streams, cut storage volume, and prepare soft plastics for responsible recycling. Learn more about SPC for healthcare settings. Frequently Asked Questions Can hospitals recycle soft plastics like sterile packaging? Yes. Clean and non-contaminated packaging such as plastic film and wrap can be recycled if it is separated from biohazard waste and routed into dedicated recycling streams. How does a soft plastic compactor help? It reduces the volume of plastic waste, making it easier to collect, store, and send to recyclers without increasing operational burden on clinical staff or facilities teams. Do compaction solutions meet healthcare safety requirements? Yes. Compaction is used only for clean, non-contaminated plastics and is designed to support existing compliance, infection control, and sterilization workflows. What types of plastics are difficult to recycle? Mixed-material products, contaminated PPE, and medical-grade plastics exposed to bodily fluids cannot enter recycling streams and must be disposed of as regulated medical or biohazard waste.
Composting: electric vs. professional or tradit...
In the United States, food scraps make up a significant share of household waste, yet only about 5% of organic waste is composted. As electric composters gain popularity, many homeowners...
Composting: electric vs. professional or traditional options
In the United States, food scraps make up a significant share of household waste, yet only about 5% of organic waste is composted. As electric composters gain popularity, many homeowners believe they are creating usable compost - but environmental experts argue otherwise. This guide explains the differences between electric composting, true professional composting, and new home-friendly technologies that actually support a circular system and help reduce methane emissions from landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "only about 5% of the annual 66.2 million tons of food waste is composted", which leads to landfill overfilling and emissions of methane. The rising environmental needs for composting and new legislations in separating organic waste for households create a new market for solutions and home appliances. This market for various devices for composting or preparing food scraps to compost-like material is already overcrowded by different technologies. Here also comes electric composters, which have become a separate category, and are being introduced by more and more brands these days. They claim to conveniently convert organic household waste into plant food or soil amendments without unpleasant odors or pests. But do they really make compost that can enrich the soil and introduce a genuine solution, or is it a misleading trend? This is a point that has been questioned by many environmental experts and gardeners. Let’s look at the facts! How do electric composters work? The features of electrical composters may vary from the producer, but the general logic of their work stays the same. Basically, all of them use heat, grinding, and aeration technologies inside the devices to dehydrate and grind up organic waste. They get rid of bacteria and pathogens while heating your organics to a high temperature, depending on the model, to about 160°F or over 212°F. During the heating process, the device starts to grind your food scraps into small pieces into dry brown powder or chunky and fibrous material, depending on what waste you have. The rotation of the material and charcoal filter simulates compost aeration and helps to prevent odors. This process takes a few hours and reduces the volume of your organic waste to 70-90%. That sounds perfect for keeping your kitchen odor-free and pest-free, but suspicious about fully dehydrated and ground material being used as a compost that usually needs microbial decomposition and compost bacteria for benefiting the soil. The composting misconception Despite marketing claims, the material that is the final product of electric composters’ work is not one that can be called compost and doesn’t have the same ‘composting magic’ features to help plants grow better and contribute to soil health. Even naming it differently can’t guarantee good output for the soil, as it’s declared by electric composters’ brands. “Right from the moment that I saw the first unit, I questioned the 'composting' aspect. How can they compost so quickly when composting is a very slow process?” – said Robert Pavlis, an educator, gardener, blogger, writer and chemist, in an interview with GardenMyths.com. As stated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the output from these devices is more accurately described as "dehydrated food waste byproduct" rather than compost. This material is not biologically stable and often requires further decomposition before it can be safely and effectively used in soil. Applying it directly to plants may not grant the intended benefits to soil health and could potentially harm plant health due to incomplete decomposition and possible high salt content. Some of the tests of environmentalists challenge the statements of electric composter producers, showing that the final material could be detrimental to plant growth and does not eliminate the odor of food scraps, which can attract pests. As outlined by horticulturist Ron Alexander, "it’s not only the missing bacteria that may be problematic, as the freshly ground material can contain concentrated levels of certain nutrients and salts that, when added to garden beds, create an imbalance in the soil's nutrient profile". It may also heat up during the decomposition process, harming plant growth. In addition, the organic waste could become moldy or attract pests if immediately used in the garden. In cities where composting options are limited, such devices provide a practical way to separate food scraps. But since they don’t make a real compost, meaningful progress in reducing food trash and proper composting requires a professional approach and participation of municipal systems. Professional composting: a sustainable alternative Unlike electric devices that grind and dry organic waste without microbial action, professional composting systems rely on natural decomposition to produce true compost.Professional composting, as understood by the US Composting Council, involves large-scale, controlled composting processes that handles significant volumes of organic waste and ensures rapid decomposition under managed conditions. What are these conditions, and why can they process organic waste more efficiently than home setups? The professional composting process entails the following steps: aerobic decomposition with oxygen; strictly controlled temperature, humidity, and airflow levels conditions; the use of microorganisms and sometimes mechanical turning or forced aeration to speed up the composting process. One of the main differences between professional and home composting is time. A professional composting service will create the ideal conditions for the breakdown of organic waste into efficient compost, supporting soil health. Another key difference is in the variety of waste that can be composted. Professional composters can handle a much wider range of organics, including things like bioplastics and bones, that can’t be processed in domestic outdoor or indoor compost bins. Alternatives as part of the solution For those seeking to make a meaningful contribution to sustainability, engaging with professional composting services or traditional composting methods is advisable. By supporting systems that produce genuine compost, individuals can enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and participate in a more sustainable waste management cycle. At the same time, there are other solutions for those households for whom doing a traditional compost is not an option and coping with flies, leaks, and odors is a mission. At Clear Drop, we investigated the current issues with organic household waste management and solutions with their benefits and drawbacks to introduce our own technology. We created a kitchen appliance, Organics Collector, that solves the challenge of convenient household organic waste management without full dehydration.Suppression of your organic waste is carried out using a combination of 3 technologies: dry without heating, aeration, and ozone treatment. Drying reduces the moisture content of your food scraps and other organic waste by only 30-40%, which is still preserves the essential organic matter, allowing it to be effectively composted in industrial facilities or in your own or community pit. Aeration is the process of saturating the waste mass with air. Ozonation - regular treatment of the contents of the container with limited and safe doses of ozone. Additional protection for the consumer from unpleasant odors is carbon-filter adsorption. With its help, all air coming out of the device is filtered and cleaned. While electric composters offer convenience, they fall short of delivering true compost or contributing meaningfully to soil health. Real sustainability lies in supporting systems that return nutrients to the earth through natural decomposition. Whether by engaging with municipal composting services or exploring home methods rooted in biology, the smarter path is one that nurtures soil, not just simplifies disposal. In tackling organic waste, we need solutions that close the loop - not just reduce volume. Home Solutions for Cleaner Organics Collection Managing food scraps at home becomes much easier when the right system is in place. Follow these practical steps to keep your organic waste clean, odor-free, and compost-ready: Keep food scraps separate from plastic packaging and other trash. Store organics in a sealed container to prevent mess and odors. Limit moisture and airflow exposure to slow decomposition and avoid pests. Use a home appliance that stabilizes food scraps without destroying their organic value. Deliver properly stored organics to municipal or professional composting programs where true composting occurs. Clear Drop® Organics Collector (OC) was designed specifically for this purpose. It prevents odors, reduces leaks, and keeps food scraps suitable for real composting—unlike full-dehydration devices that destroy nutrient value. Make Organics Management Easier at Home Clear Drop® Organics Collector stabilizes food scraps using drying without heating, aeration, and ozone treatment - keeping them ready for true composting. Cleaner kitchen, fewer odors, better waste habits.Learn more about the Organics Collector. Frequently Asked Questions Do electric composters make real compost? No. The product they create is usually a dehydrated food waste byproduct without the microbial activity needed for composting. It still requires decomposition before being applied to soil. Why does professional composting matter? Industrial facilities process organics under controlled conditions with microorganisms and aeration, creating nutrient-rich compost that improves soil health and reduces methane emissions. How can households support proper composting if a backyard bin isn’t an option? Use certified collection programs, community composting, or home appliances that stabilize food scraps while keeping them compostable. Is odor control important in home organics management? Yes. Odors attract pests and lead to contamination. A sealed, aerated solution prevents this and makes waste collection more consistent.
Soft plastic recycling: key challenges and solu...
Soft plastics like grocery bags, bubble wrap, and packaging film make up a growing share of U.S. household waste, yet most of them are not recyclable curbside. This guide explains...
Soft plastic recycling: key challenges and solutions
Soft plastics like grocery bags, bubble wrap, and packaging film make up a growing share of U.S. household waste, yet most of them are not recyclable curbside. This guide explains why soft plastics are difficult to recycle in the United States and what practical home solutions, including a soft plastic compactor, can help reduce volume and improve recycling outcomes. Recycling soft plastics is one of the most pressing environmental challenges today. Soft plastics – such as plastic bags, wrappers, and packaging films – are often excluded from standard curbside recycling programs. This is due to a combination of factors, including the composition of the materials, limited processing infrastructure, and consumer confusion about disposal methods. The general reports on the plastic recycling industry in the U.S., which are now carried out by nonprofit organizations and are not systematic, don’t seem to show positive data. According to the latest rates from research on recycled plastic, "more than 95% of the plastics generated are put in a landfill or incinerated for energy". The research groups also revealed that while plastic recycling is on the decline, "the per capita generation of plastic waste has increased by 263% since 1980". Another investigation shows missed opportunities in about "83% of the plastic packaging that could be recycled curbside – think bottles and containers – not being put in the bin". And what about soft plastic? It is placed on a lower priority and also shows recycling rates of less than 10 percent, still not always being calculated and reported. Soft plastic is perceived as a barrier to the efficient process of recycling other types of plastic, being put together in a blue bin for recycling. Let’s figure out what the main challenges of soft plastic recycling are and what solutions could exist to work on changing these frustrating numbers of plastic waste and changing the attitude towards soft plastic. What is this soft plastic exactly? The name itself speaks about its look and structure - this film is simply soft. An easy way to identify a soft plastic product is to scrunch it up and see that it doesn’t bounce back fully. In other words, it is any lightweight package or part of a package whose shape can be readily changed. Flexible packaging includes, but is not limited to, bags, pouches, liners and wraps that utilize plastic or film. It can also be packaging such as grocery, zip lock, soft plastic containers, cling film, stretch wrap, shipping packaging, freezer bags, and dry-cleaning bags. Key challenges of soft plastiс recycling Being soft and light doesn’t mean being perfectly suitable for recycling. Recycling facilities face specific problems while having soft plastic on their board and these are the real reasons for these difficulties: 1. Contamination of recycling streams. While being useful for packaging purposes because of its thin, stretchy, clingy structure, plastic film is still difficult to recycle without specialized equipment. If mixed with other recyclables and processed through machines, plastic packaging tangles the mechanisms and jams the machines. This leads to operational disruptions and increased maintenance costs. Other than that, it endangers workers who try to clean it out of the equipment at the recycling facility. This problem occurs even earlier, when soft plastic is placed in the curbside recycling cart after mixed waste management. 2. Lack of recycling facilities. Out of approximately 500 Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in the U.S., only 20% to 30% can handle soft plastic waste. Their limited capacity also leads to the majority of soft plastics not being processed and often ending up in landfills. 3. Multi-layered plastic materials. Some soft plastic packaging, like aluminum-lined snack wrappers and food pouches, is often made from layers of different materials. It makes the package content protected by providing stiffness, oxygen barrier, UV protection, and sealability. This solution complicates soft plastic recycling efforts. Separating these layers is technologically challenging, which stands for the complexity of classification, layer separation, and is economically unfeasible due to high costs for treatment. 4. Consumer confusion about plastic waste management. Consumers are often not sure what type of plastic waste is accepted at their location because programs for recycling significantly vary. A survey revealed that "60% of people are uncertain about how and what to recycle, resulting in improper disposal of soft plastic waste". Lack of information and awareness about the easy options for plastic recycling leads to curbside recycling full of soft plastics. Soft plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges today, leading to widespread pollution. The key environmental risks associated with soft plastic waste are: 1. Landfill overflow Plastic takes up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. During this process of degradation, plastic waste may leach potentially toxic substances into the soil and groundwater, producing environmental and health risks. 2. Microplastics While degrading soft plastic waste fragments into microplastics, tiny parts less than 5 millimeters in size are created. These microplastics have been detected in various environments, including deep-sea sediments and remote areas, indicating their pervasive distribution. Microplastics can adsorb and transport harmful pollutants, potentially entering the food chain and posing risks to wildlife and human health. Studies have found microplastics in human organs, including the placenta, raising concerns about their impact on human health. 3. Ocean pollution In addition to microplastics wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, soft plastic waste can directly influence the lives of marine animals. For instance, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals often mistake plastic waste for food, which leads to ingestion that can cause internal injuries, intestinal blockages, starvation, and death. Solutions: How to improve soft plastic recycling? The good point about these challenges is that they already have some solutions that can improve soft plastics recycling. Emerging innovations and technologies can significantly expand processing capabilities. Chemical plastic recycling technologies, like pyrolysis, involve breaking down plastic into smaller molecules using high heat in the absence of oxygen. Technology transforms plastic waste into raw materials such as oils, gases, and waxes, which can be used as a better alternative to virgin resource extraction. AI and robotics also enter the plastic recycling industry, suggesting new, efficient sorting systems. Robots are taught to identify and sort different types of plastics. Smart solution for your home that can make your home’s soft plastic waste management more efficient and prepare it to be actually recycled. Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) is an example being the first home and business appliance to simplify soft plastic collection and ensure it all goes to recycling. It transforms fluffy plastic packaging into a space-saving 12×8×4-inch block. Clear Drop sends free mailing envelopes with pre-paid labels to ship compacted plastic blocks directly to the facility. Unlike grocery store drop-offs or similar products, SPC guarantees that no soft plastic is left out of the recycling chain. How to Recycle Soft Plastics at Home Collect soft plastics separately from bottles and other hard plastics. Clean and dry them to remove food residue. Compact soft plastics using a home soft plastic compactor to reduce storage volume by up to 90%. Store compacted plastics in a bin or box until recycling. Take them to local retailer drop-off programs (Target, Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods) or send them using mail-in recycling services. Tip: Clear Drop SPC allows you to send compacted soft plastics directly to the recycling facility, avoiding the need to find a drop-off point. Consumer responsibility still plays a significant role in the whole plastic recycling process. Before plastic recycling, you can think of cutting the amount of waste and reducing your soft plastic consumption. Think about changing one habit and buying some products in refillable shops instead of contributing to plastic packaging, buy from local markets with your reusable shopper bags and beeswax wraps for food. Reorganize your waste management - keep soft plastic waste separate from other recyclables to prevent contamination in the recycling facilities. Read and share with your community information about restrictions for curbside recycling programs and verify your local recycling policies to prevent contamination. Use store drop-off recycling programs with retailers like Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods. They often provide collection bins for plastic bags and certain plastic films. The How2Recycle program offers a Store Drop-Off label, guiding consumers on which plastics are eligible for these programs. As consumers, we can play a pivotal role in reducing plastic waste by rethinking our consumption habits, organizing our home waste management, and correctly disposing of soft plastics through specialized recycling programs. Make Soft Plastic Recycling EasierCompact, store, and recycle from home. Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) turns bulky packaging into compact 12×8×4-inch blocks, ready for recycling.Learn more about the Soft Plastic Compactor. Frequently Asked Questions Why is soft plastic not recyclable curbside in the U.S.? Soft plastics jam sorting equipment at U.S. recycling facilities and contaminate other recyclable materials. They must be handled separately through store drop-off or mail-in programs. Can I recycle soft plastics at home? Yes. Collect them separately, compact them to reduce volume, and bring them to a drop-off location or use a mail-in program. How should I store soft plastics before recycling? Keep them clean, dry, and compacted to prevent contamination and save space. What happens to soft plastics after recycling? They can be recycled into composite lumber, outdoor furniture, durable packaging materials, and other long-lasting products.
