Recycling: Global Report Card
Increased world population and wanton consumerism have led to increased waste. Recycling reduces waste, reduces toxins released into the atmosphere from landfills (by diverting garbage from landfills), lowers the carbon footprint originating from municipalities, households, and industries; and reduces pollution generated in the manufacturing/ packaging of products; as well as reducing the waste generated in the production/ consumption process.
Here are the top 5 countries in the world, in terms of recycling rates-
Which countries recycle the most?
The top five countries for recycling are Germany, South Korea, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland. Germany gained number one status by implementing what is called the Green Dot initiative. In order to get a green dot on the package, manufacturers have to pay a fee based on the size of the packaging, which is used for recycling. Manufacturers have thereby been encouraged to reduce the volume of packaging and to make packaging more easily recyclable.
Reducing the volume of packaging encourages companies to produce more minimalistic and innovative packaging. Germany also came up with an intricate system of domestic and commercial sorting to make sure that every material is able to be recycled properly. The Green Dot recycling system started in Germany in 1990, and now has spread to 29 countries; 28 European countries and Israel, and includes a partnership with North American countries. The following European (and 1 Asian) nations are the best at recycling in the world today (of the top recycling nations - Germany, Austria, and Belgium use the Green Dot recycling system):
5) SWITZERLAND- The Swiss national character places a high value on order and cleanliness - you can spend a couple of nights in jail simply for taking the recycling out on a wrong day - so it's no surprise they are among the best recyclers in the world. It actually costs a Euro to simply throw your trash away rather than recycle it. The government doesn't just bribe and coerce people to recycle though; there are also bottle banks at every supermarket, and free recycling collections provided to the public throughout the nation. Switzerland is busy creating a culture where it is actively unusual not to recycle.
4) AUSTRIA- Austria has taken a comprehensive approach to encourage its citizens to recycle. The combination of economic incentives, the successful implementation of education and training programs, and memorable advertising campaigns have thoroughly convinced Austrian citizens of the value of recycling; and helped turn Austria into the fourth biggest recycler in the world.
3) BELGIUM- Some people consider Belgium's recycling program to be the best in Europe. The Flemish part of Belgium has the highest waste diversion rate on the continent, with over half of its waste getting recycled or composted. What's more, the Flemish economy has grown significantly since 2000, yet the level of waste generation has remained consistently low; usually, economic growth goes hand in hand with a rise in the production of waste. Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium are three relatively small central European nations that continuously outperform much larger nations when it comes to recycling.
2) SOUTH KOREA- South Korea spends 2% of its GDP on a Green Growth Plan, hoping to deliver environmentally friendly economic prosperity. Its recycling industry is booming, and major companies are on board. Each apartment block has a fastidious recycling system similar to the Swiss model, where recycling is free but merely throwing items in the trash costs you a small amount of money. Wherever you are in the world, it seems economic incentives are an effective way of convincing people to care about recycling.
The #1 country in the world for recycling is GERMANY, recycling over 65% of its recyclable waste!
An example of a city that does an exceptionally good job of recycling is San Francisco, California. San Francisco boasts an incredible >80% rate of diverting waste from landfills. The population of San Francisco tends to be fairly eco-conscious, which is part of the reason people in the city want to keep waste out of landfills as much as possible and make the most out of resources like packaging that ends up harming the environment when not recycled.
San Francisco banned common disposable plastic shopping bags, which often end up in the planet's oceans, in 2007. In 2009, S.F. mandated recycling and composting, imposing a fine for not properly recycling recyclable goods. Since 2019, San Fransisco's Single-Use Foodware Plastics, Toxics and Litter Reduction Ordinance has banned most single-use plastic straws and many single-use plastic accessories. The law also bans the use of toxic fluorinated chemicals in foodware products.S.F.'s plastic and litter reduction law aims to make zero-waste goals a reality and ensures resources are available citywide in hopes of making zero-waste goals attainable.
Green City Times also features other world cities that are internationally recognized for their recycling efforts. Portland, Oregon, and Curitiba, Brazil are two other standout cities in recycling.
Please see: Recycling in Curitiba
and: Green City: Portland
Who Recycles the Worst?
The worst countries worldwide for recycling are Turkey and Chile. Turkey recycles a mere 1% of its total waste. The government places little to no importance on the recycling issue. Chile is known for having a bad infrastructure for waste management, and so a lot of illegal dumping occurs.
Global Recycling Foundation supports the promotion of recycling, and the recycling industry, across the world to showcase its vital role in preserving the future of the planet.
Our mission is to fund educational and awareness programmes, which focus on the sustainable and inclusive development of recycling, across the world.
“The role of the Foundation is to show the world that Recycling is a collective endeavour, crucial for the future of the planet. No-one can act in isolation and it is imperative we engage the widest population possible, from BIR members to world leaders, businesses to individuals – no matter where they are located. The establishment of the Global Recycling Foundation will underpin this mission, and ensure a global approach, supporting joint initiatives and achieving goals to foster better recycling practices into the future.”
Ranjit S Baxi, Founding President, Global Recycling FoundationThe Global Recycling Foundation will promote and support the global recycling industry in its mission to showcase recycling’s crucial role in preserving the planet’s future. It will do this via fundraising, joint ventures, and our spotlight activity Global Recycling Day.
Everything we do will focus on innovation, education, progress and action.
How Can We Improve Recycling Rates?
One major step many communities, municipalities, and governments worldwide have taken is educating the public about and enforcing recycling standards. Creating a penalty for not recycling is also a tool that can be implemented for increased community recycling. It actually costs you to not recycle, and people are mandated to throw out non-recyclable trash in a special plastic bag, in Switzerland. Examples of cities where you can be fined if you don't recycle include Burlington, VT, Dayton, OH, San Francisco, CA, and Cardiff, Wales.
In Denmark, trash disposal is closely monitored and regulated in order to ensure that maximal recycling is done correctly. Germany issues each household a few different colors/ categories of recycling bins. In 1990, Germany mandated a packaging ordinance that requires domestic manufacturers to be responsible for their own recycling, the aforementioned Green Dot system.
In order to improve recycling rates, it is important to make recycling receptacles ubiquitously available. This means both installing public receptacles, and providing recycling services free of charge to residential areas. Most people will choose to recycle when it presents no apparent added effort or cost.
In addition, there are ways to optimize the recycling process; such as a color-coded bin system to help with recycling sorting (one color for recyclable bottles, one for cans, one for plastics, one for paper products, etc...).When people have to overthink about which item goes in which bin, sometimes they tend to give up, and either throw recyclable material in a random bin or just throw it in the trash.
Alternatively, there is the zero-sort recycling system (or, single-stream recycling - a system in which recyclable glass, metal, plastic, paper, and other containers, are mixed in the recycling truck or the recycling center). Zero-sort recycling infrastructure has higher up-front capital costs and higher ongoing processing costs. However, zero-sort recycling avoids the problem of incorrect items (or just trash) placed in incorrect bins, which creates increased costs in the recycling process.
Zero-sort recycling also lowers recycling collection costs and generally results in an increase in potentially recyclable material making it into the recycling stream, as opposed to just ending up as garbage in a landfill. In fact, zero-sort facilities are a great way to avoid the apparent added effort of having to think about sorting your trash. Many people believe that, in general, most glass, paper, and plastic are recyclable, and everything else is probably landfilling material. With zero-sort recycling, there is no added thought required. Some or all of these measures to help streamline the recycling process can be implemented (after being successfully legislated) by municipalities, local, state, regional, or even national governments; communities, towns cities, and even entire countries.
Most importantly, city officials need to evaluate the needs of their city. If it is particularly windy, they may need to provide covered bins for residents; if there is constant illegal dumping, they may need to provide more accessible recycling and trash centers. The needs of each community vary so widely that it is impossible to prescribe one generic solution. The important takeaway is that we all need to be doing something as a global community, to increase environmental welfare, and recycling is probably the easiest place to start.
For information on an innovative recycling program starting now in the UK, please see: wrap.org.uk/content/food-waste-recycling-action-plan
Recycling FAQ
- 1. Which countries recycle the best?
Germany, South Korea, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland
- 2. What is the #1 measure a country can take to improve recycling rates?
In order to improve recycling rates, it is important to make recycling receptacles ubiquitously available.
- 3. What additional measures can a country take to improve recycling rates?
Creating a penalty for not recycling is a tool that can be implemented to increase community recycling.
GCT Featured Articles
Oslo, Norway – Eco-Capital
Oslo: Net Zero Future | Oslo has fleets of clean mass public transit - trams, electric buses and ferries - powered...
Read PostClimate Solution – Sustainable Agriculture
Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture | Sustainable ag. turns farms into thriving biodiverse lands that produce...
Read PostSustainable City – CHICAGO
Chicago might not be widely known as a green city, however, the city has a Sustainable Action Agenda, a vast network...
Read PostVauban and the Plus-Energy Sun Ship
Vauban is an exemplary sustainable town and a zero-emission district. Most energy for buildings is from rooftop solar...
Read PostRegenerative Agriculture
Regenerative ag. creates carbon sinks; turning farms into healthy ecosystems that sequester carbon with vibrant plant...
Read PostAustin, Texas – A Sustainable City
Eco-friendly Capital | Austin is emerging as a leader in renewable energy, community solar, and LEED building efficiency...
Read Post12 Ways You Can Help the Environment
Lower your carbon footprint, save energy, and help the environment. Here are 12+ actions for sustainable individuals...
Read Post10 Ways to Reduce Food Waste
by Jane Marsh | Significant amounts of food waste originate from cities. Urbanites can use food waste reduction methods...
Read PostModern Sustainable Waste Management Technologies
5 Ways for SMART Cities to Implement Sustainable Waste Management | by Jane Marsh | Cities are implementing zero-waste...
Read Post5 Categories of Change in Climate
Climate change is adversely affecting all parts of the earth. There have been dramatic increases in greenhouse gas emissions...
Read Post10 Ways Smart Cities Improve Worker Safety
10 IoT Technologies for Sustainable Smart Cities | by Jane Marsh | As the conversation around greenhouse gas...
Read PostProfiles in Sustainable Cities – San Diego, California
Sustainable cities, like San Diego, have eco-city designs that prioritize consideration of social, economic, and environmental...
Read PostOffshore Wind Farms in the United States | Block Island Leads the Way
First of many US offshore wind farms | The United States' 1st operational offshore wind farm is the Block Island...
Read PostClean Energy Jobs are UP, and RE cost is down
Clean Energy JOBS | The future of employment in the energy sector is in clean energy, energy efficiency, and renewable...
Read PostKamuthi Solar Project, Bhadla Solar Park; and the largest solar PV farms in India, China, and other countries
Featuring over 2.5 million individual solar PV modules, and on 2,500 acres, in the town of Kamuthi in the Ramanathapuram...
Read PostUsing Technology to Provide Clean Water to Cities
How Technology Can Help Cities Avoid Another Flint Water Crisis | Article by Jane Marsh | The green movement is influencing...
Read PostHow Safe & Clean is Nuclear ☢️ Energy?
When looking at climate solutions for clean energy generation, it is prudent to look at all clean energy sources. Nuclear...
Read PostMicrogrids spread across Africa
Developing Microgrids | As African nations push for rural electrification, many look to microgrids as a sustainable...
Read PostFuture Generations of Batteries
Next generation li-ion batteries | Next-gen lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries can charge quickly, are rechargeable,...
Read PostClean Hydrogen Power
Hydrogen (H2) and the Clean Energy Transition | Hydrogen created with clean energy is one of the most promising...
Read PostNuclear – necessary energy
Both nuclear and renewable energy are needed in the global energy mix to help fight climate change. In order to cut...
Read PostCOP21 – good news for the planet
NDCs and Net Zero Pledges | At COP21, commonly referred to as the Paris Climate Accord, nations sent representatives...
Read PostPlan for the Expansion of Smart Meter Infrastructure
Modern SMART Meters | Many buildings in America today still rely on inefficient energy infrastructure, such as older...
Read PostRecycling – how we are doing as a global community; waste-to-energy
Effective waste management strategies for cities include citywide recycling programs, circular economy strategies, as...
Read PostPermanent ban on new coal mines and other sustainability priorities
Strategies for mitigating climate change | What are the best strategies for mitigating global warming? How is the...
Read Post10 Sustainable Technologies Improving Air Quality in Cities
GREEN Tech for Healthy Air | Article by Jane Marsh | Cities are the heart of every global region. They are headquarters...
Read PostShortfall in International GHG Reduction Pledges
Is the World Going to Meet its Climate Targets? There is a substantial shortfall between GHG emission reduction pledges...
Read PostThe Global Fight Against Climate Change; NDCs and Net Zero Targets Worldwide
Nationally Determined Contributions | As part of the ongoing global battle against climate change, almost 200 countries...
Read PostBreakthroughs in Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Thermal Technology
Solar - the most abundant renewable energy on the planet | Recently there have been dramatic breakthroughs in solar...
Read PostRenewable Energy – Breakthroughs in Wind Energy
Onshore Wind Farms - Cheap and Clean Energy | Onshore wind farms now provide the least expensive form of energy, renewable...
Read PostEconomy vs. the Environment
Economic growth does not have to come at the expense of the environment. Sustainable technologies (such as renewable...
Read PostDesalination – Clean Water for a Thirsty World
The two desalination plants featured below; one in Carlsbad (San Diego county, California - featured photo), and one...
Read Post10 Countries Promoting the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Why Is There A Need For EVs Globally? In its World Energy Outlook, the International Energy Agency identifies pathways...
Read PostSmart City Energy Infrastructure
Updating Infrastructure for Developing Renewable Energy in Cities | People-centered smart cities are cropping up worldwide....
Read PostEVs and the Future of Urban Transit
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure | What will be done to develop electric vehicle infrastructure? With cars that...
Read PostThe Role of E-mobility Trends in Decarbonizing Transport
Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with E-mobility | It's no secret that transportation is a major source of...
Read PostPutting a Price on Carbon
Carbon Markets | Carbon cap and trade systems are regulatory policies in which countries, provinces, states, and even...
Read PostReforestation
Deforestation and solutions; including reforestation | Deforestation of our planet, for centuries, has led to issues...
Read PostThe UNFCCC
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – Conference of the Parties | World leaders, dignitaries,...
Read PostCarbon tax – a levy on pollution whose time has come
Defining effective carbon taxes | A carbon tax is a levy in countries and regions on: fossil fuel power plants, oil...
Read PostImproving energy efficiency
Energy Efficiency Foundations for Green Building: Energy Star, LED and CFL Lights, LEED technologies When it comes to...
Read PostDecoupling and Divestment to Reach Sustainability
Economic Growth Without Environmental Impact Decoupling in eco-environmental terms can be defined as economic growth...
Read PostISEGS – A Shining Example of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
Ivanpah Solar Electrical Generating System (ISEGS) Ivanpah Solar Electrical Generating System (ISEGS) is a 392 MW solar concentrated...
Read PostCar-sharing and Ride-hailing
Sustainable Commuting | Many ride-sharing fleets are converting to electric cars. Car-sharing (a.k.a. ride-sharing)...
Read PostCalifornia – Current Progress of a Climate Champion
Learning From California's Struggle to Balance Decarbonization With Energy Resilience | Since California passed the...
Read PostA Close Look at San Diego’s HERO Program
San Diego, Green Buildings, HERO Program | The importance of green energy for use in homes and businesses is becoming...
Read Post
Please let us here at Green City Times know what you think in a comment; and we’ll try and answer any questions as well.
Please also visit our other blog at https://greencitytimes.blogspot.com
[Dan Braff is the founder of GCT –
Daniel Braff
about.me/gctimes]