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Significance
According to OECD data, the United States generates the most plastics waste per head of any nation -- some 220 kilograms per capita, 1.75 times the developed economies' average and almost five times the global average. US plastics recycling rates, at 5%, lag the world average of 9%.
Impacts
Plastics use, waste generation and leakage will likely accelerate as economic activity picks up post-pandemic.
Plastic's low scrap value and the lack of market demand for it pose significant challenges to recycling policy.
Many products and packaging are still not designed for recycling.
Keywords:
United States,
NA,
US,
economy,
industry,
corporate,
environment,
government,
legislation,
pollution,
regulation,
Containers & packaging
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2022
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