J&B Recycling Knowledge

At J&B Recycling, we manage recyclable waste, including plastics, for millions of households and thousands of businesses across the North of England. While we take pride in the efficiency of our Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), it is important to acknowledge that recycling alone cannot solve the global plastic crisis. Last week, we passed a significant yet unfortunate milestone – Plastic Overshoot Day (5 September 2024) – which reminds us just how serious this problem has become.

Plastic Overshoot Day marks the point when humanity's plastic waste exceeds the capacity of global waste management systems to handle it responsibly. It serves as a stark reminder that the world is producing more plastic than it can manage, and this week we passed this troubling threshold. As of this year, a staggering 220 million tonnes of plastic waste are expected to be generated worldwide, with nearly 70 million tonnes mismanaged. This means that for the remainder of 2024, plastic waste will continue to build up in the environment, adding to the pollution that already blights our rivers, oceans, and landscapes.

Despite advancements in recycling infrastructure, the sheer volume of plastic being produced each year continues to rise, outpacing our ability to manage it effectively. Since 2021, plastic waste levels have increased by over 7%, with no sign of slowing down. It’s a grim reality that plastic production, driven by demand for packaging, textiles, and other products, is continuing to surge.

While much attention is focused on countries such as China, India, Brazil, and Russia – which account for the majority of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste - he UK is not without fault. Although proper disposal by consumers ensures that plastic waste is managed responsibly and recycled effectively, the UK still plays a significant role in the overall production of plastic waste. It's essential that everyone takes responsibility in reducing our dependence on single-use plastics. The scale of the issue may seem overwhelming, but the solution is clear: we must act now to reduce, reuse, and recycle in smarter, more sustainable ways.

At J&B Recycling, we recognise the value of plastics when used and managed correctly. Plastics play a key role in industries such as healthcare, food preservation, and technology. However, their benefits can only be realised when they are designed for longevity, used responsibly, and disposed of through proper recycling channels. Recycling remains essential, but we strongly advocate for reducing plastic use from the start. Single-use plastics, in particular, should be minimised wherever possible, with reusable alternatives being preferred. There will always be a place for plastic as in some cases it is much more suitable and easier to recycle than other materials, but only if it is disposed of and recycled correctly.

Plastic Overshoot Day sends a clear message: we can no longer rely on recycling alone to address the plastic crisis. We must shift our focus to creating a circular economy where plastic is designed for reuse, and unnecessary production is avoided. This means redesigning products, reducing packaging, and making more thoughtful choices about how we consume plastic in everyday life.

For more information, read the Earth Action Plastic Overshoot Day Report 2024.

As a company committed to sustainability, J&B Recycling will continue to provide effective recycling services for plastics and other materials. However, we urge both businesses and individuals to take proactive steps towards reducing any sort of waste, not just plastic waste, at the source i.e. waste minimisation. By prioritising reduction and reuse over recycling, we can all contribute to alleviating the plastic burden on the planet.

If you need help managing your business waste, including developing and implementing strategies to reduce waste, please don't hesitate to get in touch.