Submitted to: Waste Management
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: November 13, 2007
Publication Date: December 11, 2007
Citation: Spokas, K.A. 2007. Plastics: Still young, but having a mature impact. Waste Management. 28(3):473-474. Technical Abstract: Plastic is used in every aspect of our lives, from the morning toothbrush to the garbage bag that is carried out at the end of the day. Plastics are also used in agriculture (e.g. soil fumigation, produce shipping and storage). This editorial examines the current plastic recycling statistics and examines how the current demand for recycled plastics is ahead of the supply. Since 75% of consumer plastics are not recycled, the need for improving recycling rates for plastics is clear.