While the use of recycled plastics is normally considered a noble endeavor, a new study says it's time to think twice. In an analysis of the material from more than 10 different countries, hundreds of potentially harmful chemicals were uncovered.

Because of the range of compounds found, the researchers say that they believe recycled plastics are unfit for most uses and that they don’t contribute to a circular material lifecycle.

    • Sloan the Serval@pawb.social
      1·
      10 months ago

      Or at least use the right plastic for them. PLA readily decomposes in only a few days under industrial composting conditions at 55-70ºC. Whereas ABS, a commonly used plastic in many applications, doesn’t react to composting and can last 1000+ years in a landfill.