Fact check: Recycling is scam, even the majority of the stuff that can go in the bin is shipped overseas to be burned.

1. Summary of the results

The original statement contains elements of truth but oversimplifies a complex issue. Research confirms that recycling, particularly of plastics, has largely failed to meet its promised potential - only 9% of plastics produced between 1950-2015 were recycled, with current U.S. recycling rates below 6% ^[1]. The claim about overseas shipping and burning is substantiated, as most plastics collected for recycling are indeed shipped to Global South countries where they are often burned or dumped ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• The recycling industry is in a "nascent state" and faces data limitations rather than being an intentional deception ^[2]
• Alternative circular economy practices like reuse and repair are proving more effective at reducing ecological footprint ^[2]
• The global waste challenge is growing significantly - municipal solid waste is projected to increase from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050 ^[3]
• Waste can be a valuable resource when managed properly through comprehensive approaches ^[3]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement's characterization of recycling as a "scam" oversimplifies the issue. Here's why:

• Corporate Influence: Major corporations like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have deliberately promoted recycling through campaigns (like the "crying Indian ad") to shift responsibility for plastic pollution onto consumers rather than addressing production issues ^[1]
• Industry Benefit: The recycling narrative benefits plastic producers by:
• Avoiding responsibility for plastic pollution ^[1]
• Preventing meaningful action on plastic production reduction ^[1]

The truth appears to be that while current recycling practices are largely ineffective, especially for plastics, the solution lies not in abandoning waste management entirely but in pursuing more comprehensive approaches and addressing systemic issues of production.