Recycling is the process of processing waste to reuse materials, which is becoming increasingly important in the context of global climate change and the depletion of natural resources. In many countries around the world, recycling has evolved from simple waste disposal to complex systems capable of processing various types of materials. European countries are actively developing recycling programs and occupy leading positions in terms of waste recycling volumes. Germany, for example, has achieved a high level in this industry thanks to the introduction of a separate collection system and strict control over waste emissions.
Successes have also been achieved in Scandinavian countries. For example, in Sweden, almost 99% of all waste is recycled or used to generate energy by 2024. Thanks to this system, the country has reduced the volume of landfills to almost zero, and waste has become a valuable source of energy. Recycling is also gaining popularity in Asia, especially in Japan and South Korea. In Japan, recycling has become part of the culture, and residents of the country are actively involved in the sorting process. Recycling is also developing in the United States, but with less strict regulation. Some cities, such as San Francisco, have very successful programs. This city recycles about 80% of all waste, including old salvaged books, thanks to a system of separate collection and incentives for citizens to recycle. Australia is also making significant strides in the development of recycling. Large companies have begun to recycle plastic waste, such as single-use bags and bottles, to create secondary raw materials, such as road surfaces.
The development of recycling largely depends on the cultural and economic characteristics of each country, but the trend towards its increase is noticeable throughout the world. More and more countries are realizing the importance of recycling and are beginning to invest in this area, developing new technologies and involving society in the process of separate collection and recycling of waste.
