Abstract

Paper title: Biodegradable plastic in recycling

Context
In 2014, USA has discarded around 33.6 million tons of plastic, 9.5 percent of which was
recycled. The worlds plastic production often ending up in landfill or the environment due to
the shortage of knowledge on recycling or individuals view on the activity. Biodegradable plastic
such as corn-based PLA can decompose at an increase rate compared to normal plastics having
the ability to reduce the amount of land fill produced by society. However, most biodegradable
plastic requires certain conditions to break down properly many countries not having the
infrastructure needed for this. This results in bioplastics ending in landfill where they may
release methane more harmful than CO2 into the environment (Cho, 2018).
Purpose
Aims to explore the limitations of recycling and the impact of biodegradable plastics will have
on the environment. Brief research outlines the small amount of recycle plastic compare to the
overall amount produced. Suggesting that there is an issue limiting individual’s ability to recycle
other than the plastic itself. The report also aims to discuss the impact of landfill and it effect on
the environment. Though, Biodegradable plastic are a major advancement in society if not use
properly can often add further to the problem.
Methodology
The use of world statistic can be used to support the arguments
of biodegradable technology adding to landfill. 9.5 percent of
33.6 was recycled was used to examine the difference between
the amount of plastic produces and the amount recycle. Surveys
can also be used as additional evidence to explore the world view
on recycling and the reason behind contamination in recycle bins.
Fixes that fail archetype: Problem (landfill/climate change), Fix
(biodegradable plastics), Consequences (Biodegradable plastics adding
to landfill

Anticipated Outcomes
The anticipate outcome of the results will help prove the negatives of biodegradable
technology even though it is an advancement for a more sustainable future. The results will
examine reason behind the small number of plastics recycled as well identify areas limiting
recycling therefore the overall use of any type of plastics.
Conclusion
The report will identify limitations of recycling however, solutions to these problems can be
made based on the data and research gathered. This report explores further with the use of
biodegradable technology in recycling and society’s views on recycling. Compare to text on a
similar topic, which examines the advantages and negatives of biodegradable technology. A
limitation of this report however, it the use of other people data and research, experiments and
survey can be further use to create a reliable and in-depth argument.
REFERENCES (OPTIONAL)
Cho, R. (2018). The truth about bioplastics. State of the Planet.
https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/
KEYWORDS
Biodegradable, Plastic, Environment