Recycling more does not represent a greater ecological benefit

2000/04/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena

The research carried out by the Dutch scientific research institute TNO has revealed that recycling of more than 15% of plastic containers with recycling techniques that are currently used is not ecologically profitable. According to the study commissioned by the European Association of Plastics Manufacturers (APME), an increase in the recycling rate from 15% to 50% would mean a 300% increase in costs and very limited ecological benefits.

The path to ecological profitability is to take better advantage of energy from household waste and promote mechanical recycling. On the other hand, APME considers that it would have to make a greater effort in recycling plastic waste generated in the industry.