Covid-19 trashed the recycling dream

Rising demand for plastic goods, lower cost of new plastic made by oil sector cited as reasons

Mr Richard Pontillas resting in his family-owned "sari-sari" or provision shop in Quezon City, the Philippines, in August. The liquid goods he sells used to be packaged in glass, but now he stocks them in plastic sachets. Employees sorting plastic bo
Employees sorting plastic bottles at the Weeco plastic recycling factory in the Athi River industrial zone near Nairobi, Kenya, last year. Since Covid-19, even drink bottles made of recycled plastic have become less viable.PHOTO: REUTERS
Mr Richard Pontillas resting in his family-owned "sari-sari" or provision shop in Quezon City, the Philippines, in August. The liquid goods he sells used to be packaged in glass, but now he stocks them in plastic sachets. Employees sorting plastic bo
Mr Richard Pontillas resting in his family-owned "sari-sari" or provision shop in Quezon City, the Philippines, in August. The liquid goods he sells used to be packaged in glass, but now he stocks them in plastic sachets. Employees sorting plastic bottles at the Weeco plastic recycling factory in the Athi River industrial zone near Nairobi, Kenya, last year. Since Covid-19, even drink bottles made of recycled plastic have become less viable.PHOTO: REUTERS
Joe Brock
  • Published
    Oct 11, 2020, 5:00 am SGT

The coronavirus pandemic has sparked a rush for plastic.

From Wuhan to New York, demand for face shields, gloves, takeaway food containers and bubble wrap for online shopping has surged. Since most of these cannot be recycled, so has the waste.

Please or to continue reading the full article.

Get unlimited access to all stories at $0.99/month

  • Latest headlines and exclusive stories
  • In-depth analyses and award-winning multimedia content
  • Get access to all with our no-contract promotional package at only $0.99/month for the first 3 months*
Subscribe now

*Terms and conditions apply.

Sign up for our daily updates here and get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

Get The Straits Times app and receive breaking news alerts and more. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 11, 2020, with the headline 'Covid-19 trashed the recycling dream'. Print Edition | Subscribe
Topics: