Let’s not trash recycling technologies that could end plastic waste
Let's not trash recycling technologies that could end plastic waste New Scientist
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The Potential of Advanced Recycling in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
In 1980, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, embarked on a project to reduce its reliance on oil for power generation due to soaring oil prices. The Solid Waste Energy Conversion Plant was established to convert trash, including plastic, into combustible gases using pyrolysis. However, the plant closed a year later due to the increasing operational costs.
Environmental Campaigners and Advanced Recycling
Today, environmental campaigners are using the Disney story to criticize advanced recycling technologies, which aim to convert plastic waste back into new plastic. However, their argument is misleading. The failure of Disney’s plant was primarily caused by a subsequent fall in oil prices rather than technological or environmental issues. Furthermore, Disney’s plant was designed to produce fuel, which does not fall under the category of advanced recycling.
The Potential of Advanced Recycling
As highlighted in our feature article “The incredible new tech that can recycle all plastics, forever,” advanced recycling is an evolving industry that holds promise in addressing the global plastics crisis. This technology has the potential to transform millions of tonnes of discarded plastic, most of which currently ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment, into clean and fresh plastic by breaking it down into its molecular components. The ultimate goal is to establish a circular economy where there is no longer a need to produce “virgin” plastic from oil.
Considerations and Challenges
While advanced recycling is not a panacea, it presents several advantages over conventional plastic production. However, there are concerns regarding the generation of toxic waste by these plants, their energy consumption, and the perpetuation of conventional plastics instead of greener alternatives. Campaigners rightly argue for the phasing out of plastics altogether. However, due to practical considerations, plastics will continue to be present for the foreseeable future, making advanced recycling technologies a more environmentally friendly option.
The Need for Informed Discussions
There is a need for a serious discussion on advanced recycling, including its potential inclusion in a forthcoming global treaty on plastic pollution. It is crucial that this discussion is based on factual information rather than relying on anecdotal stories such as the Disney example.
Topics:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement.
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SDG 14: Life Below Water
- Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density.
Analysis
The article discusses the concept of advanced recycling, which has the potential to address the global plastics crisis and move towards a circular economy. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:
1. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article highlights the potential of advanced recycling to reduce plastic waste that ends up in landfill, incinerators, or the environment. This aligns with SDG 12, which aims to achieve responsible consumption and production. Specifically, Target 12.4 focuses on the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle, including reducing their release to air, water, and soil. The article mentions the need for advanced recycling to minimize the adverse impacts of plastic waste on human health and the environment.
The indicator mentioned in the article, Indicator 12.4.1, measures the number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information. While the article does not explicitly mention this indicator, it implies the importance of international cooperation and compliance with environmental agreements in the context of advanced recycling.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
The article acknowledges that plastics can contribute to marine pollution and highlights the potential of advanced recycling to prevent and reduce marine pollution. This aligns with SDG 14, which aims to protect and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Target 14.1 specifically focuses on preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution, including marine debris such as plastic waste.
The indicator mentioned in the article, Indicator 14.1.1, measures the index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density. While the article does not explicitly mention this indicator, it implies the importance of monitoring and measuring plastic debris density in coastal areas as a measure of progress towards reducing marine pollution through advanced recycling.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | Indicator 14.1.1: Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density. |
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Source: newscientist.com
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