Background

Recycling is a fundamental practice aimed at reducing the environmental impact of human activities by reusing materials rather than disposing of them as waste. The process involves collecting, processing, and transforming used materials into new products. Commonly recycled items include paper, glass, certain plastics, and metal. The primary goals are to conserve resources, minimize energy consumption, and decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.

In the context of climate change, recycling plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation. The production of new materials typically requires substantial amounts of energy and natural resources. Greenhouse gases are emitted during each step of a product’s lifecycle, including resource extraction, refining, manufacturing, transportation and disposal. By recycling, we can significantly reduce the demand for raw materials, which in turn lessens the environmental impact associated with their extraction and manufacturing. Additionally, composting helps decrease the amount of organic waste (e.g. yard waste and food) sent to landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically and creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Reduction and reuse are even more beneficial than recycling. Repairing or repurposing products for longer use, reusing or buying less packaging, buying only what we need, and purchasing products made from recycled content can decrease greenhouse gas emissions. By incorporating reduction, reuse and recycling into our daily lives, we contribute to the conservation of resources, energy efficiency, and the overall reduction of our carbon footprint.

While individuals can do a lot to recycle and reduce waste, only manufacturers can change the design of products so they last longer, are easier to repair, use less material, are more easily recycled, and contain fewer toxics. “Producer responsibility” is an approach where manufacturers are responsible for the full life cycle of their products and packaging from cradle to cradle. When manufacturers pay to responsibly recycle their products and packaging, they have a financial incentive to design and make products that last longer, are more recyclable, and contain fewer toxics. Producer responsibility is a successful, proven approach that has been used in the European Union and Canada for decades.

In essence, reduction, recycling and producer responsibility are key components of sustainable living, promoting a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed rather than disposed of as waste. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, adopting reduction, recycling and producer responsibility policies and practices becomes increasingly vital in our collective effort to preserve the planet for future generations.

The Details

The life cycle of products and packaging, from production to end-of-life, significantly impacts greenhouse gas emissions and the environment. This includes products such as electronics, lights, batteries, mattresses, packaging and more. It’s important that recycling programs for those products are convenient, accessible and producer-financed in communities throughout the state. In Washington, producer-provided programs already exist for computers and TVs, mercury-containing lights, unwanted medicines, and batteries. Efforts are underway to pass similar policies for packaging and paper products.

Excessive and difficult-to-recycle packaging contributes to resource depletion and carbon emissions. Decreasing the manufacture and use of packaging - including plastic packaging - reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Plastics are energy-intensive to make and release greenhouse gas emissions at each stage of their lifecycle. They are made from oil and gas, and the petrochemical industry plans to increase plastic production to offset a decline in burning fossil fuel. Plastic production could jump three- to four-fold by 2050.

Electronic waste contains hazardous materials that, when improperly disposed, can leach into the environment, posing environmental and health risks. The improper handling of mercury-containing lights, such as compact fluorescent bulbs, can release extremely toxic mercury. By implementing convenient and producer-financed recycling programs for these products, we reduce the need for raw materials, energy-intensive production, and the release of harmful substances, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Key benefits of investment in these areas include:

• Circular Economy: Recycling the materials in packaging, batteries, electronic products, lights, and other products fosters a circular economy, reducing the environmental impact and associated energy use of constant extraction, production and disposal.

• Extended Product Lifespan: Proper refurbishment of electronic devices extends their lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements and associated emissions.

• Decreasing Toxic Releases : Battery and electronics recycling helps prevent the release of toxic substances, such as lead and cadmium, into the environment, decreasing harm to ecosystems and human health. Proper handling and recycling of mercury-containing lights helps prevent the release of mercury, a potent toxin, into the environment.

• Rare Metals Recovery: Recovering rare metals from electronics and batteries helps conserve these valuable resources and reduce the environmental impacts of mining.

Justice & Equity

Recycling can contribute to equity by helping alleviate environmental injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Often, landfills and incinerators are located in or near low-income neighborhoods and/or communities of color, leading to increased exposure to pollutants and health risks. Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs can help decrease the quantity and toxicity of waste disposed. In addition, decreasing the need to extract new resources helps frontline communities that often bear the brunt of environmental impacts from resource extraction. Moreover, promoting job opportunities in the recycling sector, including within disadvantaged communities, can create economic benefits and contribute to a more inclusive and fair society.

Recycling programs and strategies should focus on the following areas to improve equity:

• Access to Recycling: Ensure that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, have convenient access to recycling services and programs as well as to educational materials that are written in appropriate languages and are culturally appropriate.

• Job Opportunities: Promote employment opportunities within the recycling industry, including in marginalized communities and areas facing economic challenges.

• Fair Distribution of Benefits: Ensure that the environmental and economic benefits of recycling are equitably distributed, avoiding concentration in specific affluent areas.

• Addressing Environmental Injustices: Mitigate the impact of waste disposal on marginalized communities by advocating for fair, safe and environmentally-sound waste management practices and policies.

• Inclusive Policy Development: Engage diverse communities in the decision-making processes related to recycling and solid waste policies to ensure their unique needs and concerns are considered.

• Resource Allocation: Prioritize resource allocation for recycling infrastructure in areas with historically limited access.

• Partnerships with Community Organizations: Collaborate with community-based organizations to tailor recycling programs that meet the specific needs and cultural nuances of different communities.

• Financial Support: Provide financial support and incentives for community-led recycling initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of recycling programs on different communities to identify and address any disparities in participation or benefits.