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The importance of recycling is growing in light of climate change and global warming. Recyclable unwanted items allow us to produce less waste and be more economical. Besides, the biggest advantages are that it requires less acquisition of raw materials.
This implies that the fewer raw materials we obtain, the more we can better protect the environment. With its significance, recycling rubbish is a global practice that many nations participate in.
See some compelling facts about countries successfully managing waste in the next section below.
Global Waste Index
According to the World Bank’s report, global waste will increase by 70% over the present by 2050. It is predicted that our waste will rise to 3.4 billion tonnes from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016. About two-thirds of the total waste produced–accounting for nearly a quarter of the total waste comes from East Asia and the Pacific region.
The annual waste generation has been considerably impacted by rising urbanisation and population growth. And even though we can’t stop multiplying every year, recycling what we can is the best environmentally friendly method to solve the problem.
Why Should We Recycle Our Rubbish?
Waste management programs reuse products by recycling them, which lessens our dependence on raw materials. Additionally, recycling rubbish rather than dumping it in landfills reduces emissions of greenhouse gases.
This means that the more recycling we do, the better it is for the environment and people. By recycling, we help create a cleaner environment and reduce the amount of rubbish we produce.
But, despite the rigid efforts to protect the environment, some waste products and other elements nonetheless hurt the ecosystem.
In addition to the escalating issues with climate change and global warming, the following negative consequences will result from our continued irresponsible waste disposal:
- Contaminates our soil
- Releases toxic substances that affect both our environment and the earth’s atmosphere
- Hazardous waste seeps into the soil and eventually reaches the groundwater
- Wildlife and marine animals suffer the effects of pollution
- ..and more
What are the Most Littered Items
From the streets to the beaches to the forests, waste is everywhere. On top of that, the waste products leak into the environment, harming the land and marine life. Our rubbish pollutes our waterways when carried into rivers and storm drains by wind and rain.
We’ll show you the most common rubbish polluting our land and waterways:
- Cigarette butts
- Food wrappers e.g. candy wrappers, food packaging
- Plastic bottles and caps
- Plastic grocery bags
- Straws
- Plastic containers from takeouts
- Plastic lids
- ..and more
The most commonly found type of rubbish both in land and sea is plastic. As we all know, plastic doesn’t break down for hundreds of years.
When rubbish is disposed of irresponsibly, not only does it harm the environment. It also harms the wild and marine animals who become entangled in it or mistake it for food and consume it.
Top 5 Recycling Countries Around the World
Many countries are working to promote the recycling program for this careless waste disposal practice because it is one of the environmentally favourable processes. Recycling is a sustainable practice that promotes the conservation of natural resources and lowers the demand for procuring them.
Here are the top countries around the world that recycle rubbish:
- Germany
Germany is at the forefront of recycling and managing approximately 67.1% of all waste. The country has been able to reduce its annual rubbish output by 1 million tons by introducing a recycling program.
Germany has also signed on to the Circular Economy Action Plan, which promotes sustainable products, prohibiting the use of single-use items and limiting the disposal of unsold goods.
- South Korea
With a recycling rate of 59.7%, South Korea has put rules in place that include outlawing both colourful plastic bottles and PVC by 2020. By 2027, the country pledged to cut back on and eventually do away with plastic straws and disposable cups.
- Austria
With a stellar recycling rate of 59%, Austria comes in third place for 2020. The country has a general restriction on the disposal of specific waste materials in landfills. Any product that emits more than 5% of total organic carbon is prohibited, effectively preventing any packaging from ending up in a landfill.
- Wales
Wales, the smallest country on the list, has an excellent 52.2% recycling rate, placing it high on the list. Like any leader in waste material recycling, its governing body also encourages long-term sustainability.
- Switzerland
One of the reasons Switzerland is regarded as having one of the world’s best recycling systems is its polluter pays policy. Its policy requires households and companies to pay for any non-recyclable waste they produce. In addition to this policy, landfill waste bin bags are subject to taxation.
Call A Reliable Sydney Rubbish Removalist
Don’t hesitate to call your trustworthy junk removalist in Sydney for all your rubbish removal and disposal needs. Let’s work together to reduce the overwhelming amount of waste to create a clean, healthy, and rubbish-free environment.
You might also want to join and be part of the annual World Cleanup Day movement, which takes place every month of September. You can make a big difference with a little effort.
