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According to the Japan Plastic Waste Management Institute, Japan recycled about 77% of plastic waste in 2010, a 20% higher plastic recycling rate than the United States and twice the rate of the United Kingdom. Japan also achieved 72% recycling rate of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in the same year, compared to 29% and 48% in the U.S. and the U.K., respectively.
In order to reduce the amount of plastic waste being burned or buried underground, Japan had increased its list of accepted plastic items to include boxes, cases, or containers in many shapes; cups, plates, or trays; and caps, lids, or wrappings. Furthermore, businesses and households are required not only to separate PET bottles from other types of plastic packages and wrappers but also to tear off those plastic labels on the bottles before they throw away PET bottles. Some food and beverage manufactures also contribute to the improvement of plastic recycling by implementing advanced technologies to use recycled PET to make their products’ containers.
Although Japan still has a long way to go before achieving the perfect 100% plastic recycling rate, the nation’s effort and accomplishment will definitely inspire those countries that have public awareness of environmental sustainability to improve their recycling rates. The approaches and technologies used for recycling plastic waste in Japan can also be a benchmark for other countries throughout the world to create better living environment for ourselves and future generations.
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