After Years of Recycling and Bag Bans, America’s Plastic Problem Is Getting Worse

After New Jersey banned single-use plastic bags, plastic consumption in the state increased three-fold, a report found.

Plastic scrap in production at Arizona Pacific Plastics. Courtesy of Michael Lipton

Plastic recycling in the United States faces a serious conundrum. For decades, American homes and businesses have dutifully placed their used polymer wares in special bins to be hauled away and broken down by professionals. 

Mountains of landfill-bound plastic being recycled is still considered a cornerstone of ethical waste management.