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We produce and use 20 times more plastic today than we did 50 years ago. The world's
annual consumption of plastic materials has increased from around 5 million tonnes
in the 1950s to nearly 100 million tonnes today. The amount of plastic waste generated
annually in the UK is estimated to be nearly 3 million tonnes.
A report on the production of carrier bags made from recycled plastic rather than
virgin polythene concluded that the use of recycled plastic results on the following
environmental benefits:
• reduction of energy consumption by two thirds
• production of only a third of the sulphur dioxide and half of the nitrous
oxide
• reduction of water usage by nearly 90%
• reduction of carbon dioxide generation by two and a half times
A second study concluded that 1.8 tonnes of oil are saved for every tonne of recycled
polythene produced.
The disposal of plastics products also contributes significantly to their environmental
impact. Because most plastics are non-degradable they take a long time to break
down, possibly up to hundreds of years - although no-one knows for certain as plastics
haven't existed for long enough - when they are landfilled. With more and more plastics
products, particularly plastic packaging, being disposed of soon after purchase,
the landfill space required by plastic waste is a growing concern.
We at National Waste Solutions are able to offer a dedicated
recycling collection service. For more information and prices, please call us on
the number above or e-mail us at enquiries@nationalwastesolutions.co.uk and one
of our experienced team will contact you to discuss your requirements.
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