Report
How COVID-19 Has Forced American Recycling to a Critical Juncture
How COVID-19 Has Forced American Recycling to a Critical Juncture
The pandemic has fundamentally changed America. It has forced us to a critical juncture for our environmental future. Will we use this crisis as an opportunity to rethink and rebuild an outdated recycling system or will we allow its continued deterioration?
Environmentalism During COVID-19
- 69% of Americans are more concerned about safety and hygiene than environmental impact.
- 62% agree that improving the recycling system so it can efficiently process plastic is the best way to deal with plastic waste, rather than banning plastic entirely.
- 11% believe that America’s recycling systems are doing their best to recycle the material they receive.
Published on February 6, 2026
