5 Leading Countries in “Recycling”

Most waste is treated by burying it underground. This not only wastes natural resources but also causes harm to the green planet. Therefore, countries have chosen recycling to become the leading solution to prevent the environment from being “overloaded” with plastic waste. Currently, 5 countries in the world are considered to have the best waste treatment systems.

1. Sweden

Sweden became interested in environmental issues early on

It can be seen that Sweden is one of the leading countries in waste treatment with a rate of up to 99% in 2011. Since then, less than 1% of households bring waste to the landfill. In fact, Sweden has begun to pay attention to environmental issues since 1991 and built a strict waste treatment system.

2. Norway

Norway builds dedicated plastic recycling facility

97% is a figure that represents the proportion of plastic waste recycled in Norway. To achieve this desirable number, Infinitum was built in this country – a specialized recycling facility, creating an infinite loop for plastic waste products. At the same time, Norway also applies a policy where people have to pay extra costs when buying bottled drinks and will be refunded when bringing empty bottles to automatic bottle collection machines.

3. Germany

Germany adopts a policy of separating garbage by color

Germany is currently the leading country in the plastic waste recycling movement. By promoting recycling, the country has reduced waste by 1 million tons each year. According to statistics, Germany’s recycling rate increased to 70%, peaking at 86% in 2015. This is the highest plastic waste recycling rate in the world. To achieve this desirable number, Germany has applied a policy that businesses are responsible for disposing of packaging after users use their products. In addition, the country also applies a policy of classifying waste by color. If households are not classified correctly, they will be subject to a corresponding fine.

4. Belgium

The amount of plastic waste taken for recycling in Belgium reaches more than 80%

In Belgium, over 80% of waste is recycled. This country uses two waste treatment processes: Ecolizer and Green Event. These are two systems built to manage and calculate the amount of waste affecting the environment. From there, propose solutions to prevent or overcome.

5. Austria

Austria is in the top 5 countries with the highest recycling rate

Austria is on the list of countries with the highest recycling rate – 63.7%. In Austria, PET plastic recycling biotechnology is considered the most prominent waste treatment system. Thanks to the enzyme of a fungus, Austria has applied it to decompose PET plastic and then easily convert it back into high quality plastic.

Currently, there are about 192 countries with plastic waste pollution in the world, including Vietnam. Pollution has become a “hot” topic that needs to be overcome soon, returning the earth to a green, clean, and beautiful environment.