TheChallengeofRecycling
Notallplasticsarethesame.Someareeasytorecycle.Some,likeplasticdrinkingstraws,arehardtorecycle.Theyareoftenthrown away.
Easeofrecyclingby type:
![1](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272069/plastic_number_1.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272055/plastic_icon_1.240_0_1.png)
Waterbottles,foodjars,sometypesof clothing
11%
![2](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272070/plastic_number_2.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272071/plastic_icon_2.240_0_1.png)
Detergentbottles,snackboxes,milkjugs,garden furniture
14%
![3](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272072/plastic_number_3.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272073/plastic_icon_3.240_0_1.png)
Creditcards,pipes,wireandcablecovers,man‑made leather
5%
![4](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272074/plastic_number_4.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272075/plastic_icon_4.240_0_1.png)
Shoppingbags,bubblewrap,flexible bottles
20%
![5](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272076/plastic_number_5.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272077/plastic_icon_5.240_0_1.png)
Bottletops,drinkingstraws, lunch boxes
19%
![6](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272078/plastic_number_6.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272079/plastic_icon_6.240_0_1.png)
Foamcups,eggboxes,meattrays,packingpeanuts,plasticknivesand forks
6%
![7](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272053/plastic_number_7.128_0_1.png)
![](/nationalgeographic/pioneer_may_2019/the_challenge_of_recycling/272054/plastic_icon_7.240_0_1.png)
Plasticfabrics,babybottles,compact discs
24%