Some Of The Best Recycling Practices From Around The World

For years, societies, companies, and governmental agencies have collaborated to raise public awareness about the importance of recycling by introducing initiatives and policies aimed at finding new uses for large waste quantities, produced annually. 

 Recycling has two major benefits, firstly it permits the reuse of large amounts of waste that would otherwise end up in polluting natural areas. Secondly, it allows the generation of raw materials while avoiding the waste of natural resources. 

When it comes to supporting and implementing effective recycling practices, some countries are better than others, and there are many things we can learn just by observing various examples from around the world. 

Sweden- from waste to energy  

The Scandinavian nation is one of the European territories with the most environmentally conscious cultures, and thus has one of the highest recycling rates. But the success of Sweden’s waste management system is due to citizens’ increased understanding of the importance of the first step separation. The Swedish people sort their trash into various colored bags based on the type of waste, recycling plants then sort it into recyclable and non-recyclable components.

In addition, the country has 34 Waste-To-Energy power plants which burn non-recyclable waste to produce enough electricity to power 250,000 households while also helping to minimize waste and pollution.  

The process has been so effective that the amount of garbage generated by Swedish people is insufficient to feed all of the plants. To keep them fully operational and produce electricity in a more efficient way than burning fossil fuels, the country must import trash from neighboring countries such as Germany or the United Kingdom. 

The Swedish recycling revolution

Japan- the path to zero waste 

The effectiveness of Japan’s recycling scheme depends on its thoroughness. Neighbors are responsible for sorting, handling, and segregating their garbage, as well as adhering to the strict collection schedule.  

Plastic containers, for example, must be cleaned before disposal, all labels removed, cartoons folded to save space, and then all waste must be appropriately labeled with household data to ensure that individuals take full responsibility and follow all laws. 

To further instill these recycling habits among the population, there are no garbage cans on city streets since each individual is responsible for their own garbage. 

One of the examples of the Japanese model’s success is the town of Kamikatsu, a small town in the mountains with difficult access to the system available in large cities. That’s why the families are the ones in charge of separating the waste into 34 categories, which they subsequently transfer to recycling centers in 2020. Additionally, the town aims to recycle 100% of its waste; it currently recycles 90%.

Image: Tsunagu Japan 

Switzerland – waste reduction  

Switzerland is one of the countries that has grasped the significance of the circular economy. The Alpine country is an example of how preparation and national policies can raise citizen consciousness. In this case, efforts have been concentrated on eliminating non-recyclable waste through initiatives such as the single bag. To dispose of this waste, citizens must purchase “official” garbage bags with a seal. 

In comparison to 20 years ago, the amount of non-recyclable waste produced has decreased by about 90 kilos per person per year. Actually, about 93% of glass bottles and 91% of aluminum cans are recycled as a result of initiatives like this. Furthermore, the nation has been a leader and the processing of organic waste for composting. 

Image: Menafn.com

South Korea– the problem of food 

Food waste reduction and recycling are critical not only for personal finances in the economy as a whole but also for the environment. Food waste processing at a sewage plant adds to the greenhouse gas emissions that are triggering the ongoing global climate crisis. Food waste contributes almost as much to global pollution as road transport. 

In the late 1990s South Korea started to see a significant increase in food waste as a result of higher standards of living, frequent dining out, and more single-occupant households. In 2005 it became illegal to send food waste to landfills. The most recent legislation, regarding “pay as you throw” for food waste, went into effect in 2013, along with the ban on throwing the liquid remaining at the bottom of garbage bags in the sea. 

Bags for recycling organic waste have a special prize that’s used to finance the recycling process, and they are biodegradable, just as in Switzerland. The bags are placed in automated food waste bins that weigh the waste. Residents must present an ID card to use the bins. Residents are then charged depending on the amount of weight they deposit in the bins. The more you deposit the more you pay. Thus, the country has managed to cut food waste from 130 kilos per person per year to less than 11. The organic waste collected is used to produce biogas to fuel power plants, crop fertilizers, and livestock feed. 

Image: Koreatimes.co.kr

REFERENCES:

• E054984. (2020, February 25). 5 best recycling practices from around the World: Bbva. Retrieved April 25, 2021, from https://www.bbva.com/en/5-best-recycling-practices-from-around-the-world/
• Sheldon, W. (2021, March 11). South Korea RECYCLES food waste in effort to BECOME Zero-Waste Society. Retrieved April 25, 2021, from https://www.nycfoodpolicy.org/food-policy-snapshot-south-korea-food-waste/
• OpenMind BBVA’s knowledge community Estimated reading time Time 3 to read, OpenMind BBVA’s knowledge community, OpenMind, & Community, B. (2020, February 10). 5 recycling lessons from different countries in the world. Retrieved April 25, 2021, from https://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/environment/5-recycling-lessons-from-different-countries-in-the-world/