From the Article:
In an era marked by increased environmental consciousness, the plastics industry faces significant scrutiny. Critics are calling out the longstanding narrative promoted by the sector that plastic is predominantly recyclable. This notion has been strongly challenged by experts and environmental advocates who allege that the industry has misled the public through deceptive practices.
Jan Dell, a former chemical engineer and founder of the non-profit The Last Beach Cleanup, has voiced concerns about the effectiveness of plastic recycling. According to Dell, the familiar recycling symbols on plastic products suggest a recyclability that does not exist for the vast majority. This is supported by startling statistics from the Department of Energy, which reports that only 5 to 6 percent of the 48 million tons of plastic waste produced annually in the U.S. is recycled. The remainder is largely destined for landfills or incineration.