The Journey of Packaging: Where Does the Plastic We Throw in the Bin Go?
Every plastic package we throw away goes on a long journey – from sorting and recycling to landfills, incineration plants, or unfortunately, nature. Despite progress in recycling, a large portion of plastic still ends up where it shouldn’t. Let’s explore the path of plastic and how we can turn it into a sustainable loop.
Where does plastic go after we throw it away?
The journey of plastic packaging varies from country to country depending on the recycling system, but the main steps are similar:
- Collection and sorting: Plastic waste – such as PET bottles, food packaging, or film – is collected in containers for separate waste collection. In countries with advanced systems (e.g. in the EU), plastics are sorted manually or by optical scanners according to type (PET, HDPE, PP). In some areas lacking infrastructure, plastics end up mixed with other waste.
- Recycling: Sorted plastics are cleaned, shredded, and transformed into granules that are used to produce new products – from packaging to textiles. PET bottles, for example, can be recycled into new bottles (“bottle-to-bottle”) or textile fibers. In the EU, about 42% of plastic packaging waste was recycled in 2023, while globally the rate is often below 10%.
- Landfills, incineration, or nature: Around 40% of plastic ends up in landfills, where it takes hundreds of years to decompose, releasing microplastics and polluting the soil. Another 30% is incinerated for energy, producing CO₂ emissions and toxins. The worst-case scenario is when plastic escapes into nature – rivers, oceans, and forests. Every year, around 8 million tons of plastic reach the oceans, threatening marine life and entering the food chain.
Challenges along the plastic’s journey
Recycling plastic is complex. There are hundreds of types of plastic that must be carefully separated to maintain quality. Mixed plastics often end up as “downcycling” – transformed into lower-value products like benches or waste bins. Recycling is also energy-intensive, and many countries lack proper infrastructure. In developing regions, plastic is often exported to Asia, where it may end up in uncontrolled dumps. The EU’s single-use plastic ban (since 2019) helps, but globally, plastic waste remains a serious problem.
How to change the journey of packaging: Tips for everyone
- Sort correctly: Dispose of plastic waste in the correct containers and remove food residues. If a deposit system exists, return bottles and cans to machines.
- Choose sustainable packaging: Prefer aluminum or glass bottles with compostable labels instead of plastic packaging.
- Support sustainable brands: Products like beeswax wraps and beeswax bags by BajaBee replace plastic wraps and are fully compostable.
- Minimize waste: Use refillable bottles, buy in bulk, and track your waste using zero-waste lifestyle apps.
- Stay informed: Learn about your country’s recycling system and support initiatives that improve waste infrastructure.
Conclusion: From the path of plastic to a sustainable cycle
Plastic packaging often meets an unfortunate end – in landfills, incinerators, or in nature. But we can change that story. Sustainable alternatives show that packaging can be part of a circular economy: recyclable, compostable, and free from toxins. Each of us can contribute – by sorting waste correctly, choosing eco-friendly products, and supporting brands that care about the planet’s future. Let’s turn the journey of packaging into a loop where nothing ends as waste, but everything finds new life.
