A new report from The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME) claims that recycling is not always the greenest option for waste disposal.
The study highlights a major waste quandary— putting waste in landfills isn't regarded as an acceptable practice, but recycling isn't necessarily the best solution either.
There often isn't enough demand for recycled materials, more greenhouse gases are emitted in the recycling process than would be used in the manufacturing of a new product, and we often have no idea where recyclables actually go when they are shipped overseas.
There are, however, alternative options. Waste products are increasingly being used for electricity, heat, and transport fuels. Perhaps the more trash we burn, the less waste is, well, wasted.