Overall, recycling rates for everyday waste everyone living in the UK are still below the EU target of 50%. Compared to the 90+% rate in Germany and Sweden, the plastic bottle recycling rate in the UK is about 45%.
Recycling is extremely important for the future of this world and the people living in it. There are numerous reasons as to why recycling is beneficial.
One of the important reasons is that it helps to conserve natural resources, which are currently limited and in short supply. Recycling materials such as paper and wood can save trees and forests, as it is difficult to replace ancient woodlands once they’re lost. A business recycling service can help larger businesses recycle their waste efficiently. An example can be found here: https://www.printwaste.co.uk/business-recycling-solutions/. Recycling metals means there is less of a need for mining and extracting new metals which can be risky and expensive. Recycling plastic also means creating less new plastic as plastics are usually made from fossil fuel hydrocarbons. Recycling glass also reduces the need to use raw materials, such as sand, which is actually starting to get low.
Another benefit of recycling is that it protects ecosystems and wildlife. It can reduce the need to grow, harvest, or extra raw materials from the earth. So that then lessens the harmful disruption and damage being done to the natural environment. That means fewer rivers diverted and fewer forests cut down. Also, fewer animals are harmed or displaced as fewer habitats are destroyed, and there is less pollution of air, water and soil.
