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Plastic waste is a massive environmental issue, and the statistics are staggering: of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic ever produced, only 9% has been recycled. That means a whopping 79% of plastic on this planet still sits in landfills or the natural environment; 12% was incinerated. If current trends continue, there could be 12 billion metric tons of plastic in landfills by 2050.
South Pasadenans and Greater LA have taken steps to reduce household waste, but we generate so much more than we realize. Chip bags, pet treat pouches and Amazon delivery envelopes get tossed in the recycling bin without much thought. But get this—those items actually can’t be recycled through regular curbside pickup. That means we’re inadvertently contributing to the trash problem and fueling the increase of microplastics in our water and soil.
However, there is reason for hope in the fight against plastic pollution. Companies are taking an innovative approach to reduce household waste through simple, sustainable solutions. At Ridwell, we collect stuff that can’t be recycled through curbside pickup, like soft plastics and trickier items like multi-layer plastics (think snack wrappers, frozen food bags and coffee bags) which are made from fused layers of plastic and other materials. We also take batteries, light bulbs and other hard-to-recycle waste. Members sort these items into separate bags for convenient doorstep pickup, and we take it from there.
Ridwell finds innovative partners who do things differently, and works directly with these carefully vetted organizations to responsibly reuse, recycle, or repurpose collected materials. For example, plastic bags and film are transformed into composite decking boards by Trex, while multi-layer plastics are used by Hydroblox to create drainage systems for commercial and residential projects.
We also find local nonprofits who accept gently used household items such as books, clothing, and pet products—organizations like Remainders Creative Reuse and Project Ropa. This kind of outside-the-box thinking exemplifies our mission “to build a future without waste” while making sure members know exactly what’s happening with the materials they give us.
While the scale can feel overwhelming, Ridwell operates with the mindset that many people making small changes can create a major positive impact over time, and a future with less plastic and waste is achievable. We’ve already rescued over 20 million pounds of waste from ending up in landfills, simply by empowering households to take an active role in reducing their environmental impact in a convenient, cost effective way – and we’re proud to share a free trial with the community.
As South Pasadenans continue to prioritize eco-friendly living, Ridwell offers a valuable opportunity to rethink recycling and take practical steps towards reducing household waste.
