The LRB Podcast Where does our waste go?
11 snips
Nov 19, 2025 Brett Christophers, a human geographer and author of "The Price Is Wrong," delves into the hidden life of our waste. He reveals the grim reality of how affluent nations offload their waste onto poorer countries, leading to hazardous accumulation in cities like Accra and Delhi. The discussion spans the challenges of recycling, the ties between plastics and the oil industry, and the environmental impact of fast fashion. Christophers calls for systemic change rather than reliance on individual actions in tackling the waste crisis.
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Putting Out A Bin Prompted The Question
- Thomas describes putting a plastic recycling bin outside and having it collected the next morning, prompting questions about what happens next.
- Brett responds that some items like cans are recycled but much plastic likely isn't and may be exported.
Recycling Success Depends On Material
- Recycling rates vary hugely by material and aluminium cans are recycled far more reliably than most plastics.
- Much plastic labelled for recycling often isn't recycled and some is exported to become other countries' problems.
Plastic Recycling Is Exceptionally Low
- Under 10% of consumer plastics are actually recycled despite decades of recycling programs.
- Plastics are hard to recycle due to material limits, cost, and degradation after repeated recycling.
