Introduction

When the world is trying to focus on sustainability for eco-friendly outcomes, Recycling is the main keyword that gets most of the attention. However, the term Upcycling seems to be more in the shadows when it comes to global awareness on these environmental issues. So, what do these terms actually mean, and what is their impact? 

Recycling overall branches into four techniques: Primary Recycling, Secondary Recycling, Tertiary Recycling and Quaternary Recycling. Primary recycling involves the recovery of scrap plastics, which are then reprocessed into products similar to their original form. This method is particularly effective for plastics made from one type of material, allowing for reuse in the same applications, and it is the technique of recycling that we are the most familiar with. In contrast, secondary recycling also known as Upcycling refers to the process where plastics are reprocessed into different products and typically involves more extensive processing. This method can include the use of mixed types of plastics and with compatibility techniques to create new materials (Kilanko and Olamigoke, 2024).

Impacts of Recycling

Although recycling is still considered the most important or impactful practice when solving environmental issues, many research studies confirm that its effectiveness is rather limited and overestimated. Recycling depends on things like what the material of the waste is, how much energy the recycling process uses, and how well the system works (Ferrara et al., 2023).
While in countries with systemic recycling practices, consumers sort their waste with their best of intentions, yet only 38 million tonnes of the 75 million tonnes of plastic sorted and collected each year ends up being recycled (Euronews, 2025). Meanwhile, gobally, only 14% of plastic is collected for recycling, with only 5% successfully recycled and approximately 79% of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the environment (Rhodes, 2018). 

From an economic perspective, virgin plastic is often more cost-effective than recycled plastic, mainly because of the volatility in oil prices. This price advantage reduces the initiatives to invest in recycling infrastructure and technology, ultimately contributing to consistently low recycling rates (Euronews, 2025).

Recycling, while intended to mitigate plastic pollution, can paradoxically contribute to microplastic pollution through various mechanisms. Increased recycling efforts often lead to the use of low-quality recyclate, which can degrade and release microplastics during its lifecycle. The mechanical recycling process itself generates microplastics, particularly during the shredding phase, with significant particle emissions documented across various plastic types (Kahlert & Bening, 2024).

Impacts of Upcycling

Upcycling, often considered a more advanced form of recycling, involves creating higher-value products from waste materials. This practice not only reduces waste but also conserves resources and lowers GHG emissions (Jain & Gualandris, 2023). Upcycling infrastructure can process a broader range of plastic waste than traditional mechanical recycling, diverting significant quantities from landfills. For example, a national-scale upcycling infrastructure in the United States could achieve a circularity rate of 34%, avoiding the need for 86 new landfills over 50 years (Erickson et al., 2023).
Research shows that turning plastic waste into porous carbon materials can help capture CO2 from the air. For example, when PET plastic is upcycled, it creates a type of carbon that can hold a lot of CO2, making it a useful way to reduce carbon in the atmosphere (Li et al., 2024).

Turning plastic waste into new products, like 3D printing filaments, is becoming more popular as a way to help the environment, which is achieved through upcycling practices. This process takes different kinds of used plastic and turns them into useful materials, which helps reduce the need for new plastic and cuts down on waste (Mejia et al., 2020).

Additionally, in interior design, upcycling waste can be reused in creative ways to build useful and stylish spaces. For example, old or thrown-away items can be turned into furniture or decorations, making them both useful and eco-friendly (Ali et al., 2013). Even everyday things like soft drink cans can be upcycled into items like desk clocks or lamps. This not only reduces trash but also encourages creative thinking in how products are made (Boonpracha et al., 2024).

Myths on Recycling Practices

Recycling is often surrounded by misconceptions that can obscure the reality of its effectiveness, particularly regarding plastic waste. Despite widespread belief in the efficacy of recycling, only about 5% of plastic waste is actually recycled, highlighting significant challenges in the recycling process ("Recycling", 2023).

Myth 1: All Plastics Are Recyclable

• Many consumers believe that all plastic items can be recycled. However, the recycling of multi-layer plastic is particularly complex, and many types of it cannot be effectively successful due to their mixed properties ("Recycling", 2023).

Myth 2: Recycling Rates Are High

• Contrary to popular belief, only 14% of plastic is collected for recycling, with only 5% successfully recycled into new materials ("Recycling", 2023).

Myth 3: Recycling Solves the Plastic Problem

• While recycling is a part of the solution, it does not address the root causes of plastic pollution and approximately 79% of plastic waste ends up in landfills or the environment (Rhodes, 2018).

Myth 4: Biodegradable Plastics Are a Solution

• Bioplastics, often marketed as environmentally friendly, only make 0.5% of total plastic production and still may not decompose effectively in natural environments (Rhodes, 2018).

Myth 5: Recycling Is Always Environmentally Beneficial

• The recycling process itself can be energy-intensive and may not always result in environmental benefits, especially when considering the energy used in collection and processing (Baytekin et al., 2013).

Conclusion

In conclusion, recycling is still believed to be an essential strategy for achieving environmental sustainability and promoting circular economies. However, addressing myths and misconceptions about recycling is crucial for developing realistic and impactful sustainability strategies. In truth, it works best when combined with reducing, reusing, and upcycling; if we rely too much on recycling without changing our choices and how much we consume, we might still end up increasing pollution and other environmental issues.