"The Unintended Consequences of Recycling Hype: Experts Weigh In"

Decades of recycling hype have led to a recycling bias and reduction neglect, where people prioritize recycling over waste reduction and reuse, according to two nationwide surveys conducted in the US. Experts argue that the most sustainable option is to focus on waste reduction and reuse, rather than relying solely on recycling. The current US recycling system places the burden on consumers to separate recyclable materials, leading to wishcycling and contamination issues. Instead, experts suggest holding producers responsible for disposal, covering recycling costs, and designing goods that are easy to recycle. It is time to shift the focus from recycling as a solution to overproduction and consumption, and prioritize waste reduction and reuse.