The myth of perfect recycling: how far can we really go, and what role does the anti-waste law play in a circular economy (AGEC law)?

Recycling is often presented as the miracle solution to our growing waste production. In the collective imagination, all we need to do is sort our waste properly so that everything can be transformed into new products, thus avoiding waste and reducing our environmental impact.

However, the reality is much more complex, which has led lawmakers to tighten regulations in France, notably through the AGEC law, to reduce dependence on recycling alone and focus on waste reduction. 100% recycling is more myth than reality, due to technical, logistical and economic constraints. Enjoy reading!

Imperfect sorting

Even with the best intentions, sorting errors are common. Non-recyclable waste ends up in recycling bins and, conversely, recyclable materials end up in the bin due to unclear instructions and a lack of public awareness. These errors lead to additional costs and reduce the efficiency of the process.

According to figures from Citeo, while 86% of glass and steel is recycled, only one in four plastic packaging items is recycled.

Sorting centres have to deal with these errors, and much recyclable waste ends up being disposed of because it is too contaminated with food residues or other substances. To combat this, the AGEC law requires the gradual harmonisation of sorting guidelines at national level and encourages the development of better information for citizens.

Composite materials: a headache for recycling

Many everyday products are made from several combined materials, making them particularly difficult to recycle. These are known as composite materials. Food packaging, for example, often consists of several layers of plastic, aluminium and paper. Separating these materials for recycling is a costly and energy-intensive process, which often leads sorting centres to send them to landfill or incineration. The AGEC law requires producers to rethink the design of their packaging to improve its recyclability and limit the use of composite materials.

Degradation of materials

One of the main obstacles to infinite recycling is the degradation of materials. The AGEC law therefore seeks to promote the incorporation of recycled materials where technically possible, while imposing certain limits to ensure quality. This is because some materials lose their properties during recycling, which limits their ‘circular lifespan’. For example, paper and cardboard deteriorate with each recycling cycle, as their fibres shorten and become less resistant. After several cycles, these materials are no longer usable and must be replaced with virgin fibres.

Plastic is more problematic. Most plastics can only be recycled a limited number of times before losing their mechanical properties. What’s more, each type of plastic has a different chemical composition, which complicates recycling! And some complex plastics or those contaminated with food are simply not recyclable.

Glass and metals could, in theory, be recycled indefinitely. But in reality, losses, contamination and costs prevent truly ‘infinite’ recycling. Coloured glass, for example, must be sorted by shade, and impurities can limit its reuse. As for metals, their recovery often depends on a complex refining process that consumes a lot of energy. And when a material can no longer be recycled, the only option is landfill or incineration.

Inadequate and uneven infrastructure

Le recyclage repose sur des infrastructures coûteuses qui ne sont pas uniformément réparties à travers le monde, y compris entre régions en France. Certaines disposent de systèmes avancés, tandis que d’autres manquent cruellement de centres de tri et de traitement adaptés. Ce déséquilibre entraîne une exportation massive des déchets vers des pays en développement, où leur recyclage se fait parfois dans des conditions environnementales et sociales préoccupantes. La TGAP sert ici d’incitation fiscale pour inciter les collectivités et les entreprises à renforcer leurs infrastructures et réduire le recours à la mise en décharge ou à l’incinération. 

Recycling relies on costly infrastructure that is not evenly distributed across the world, including between regions in France. Some have advanced systems, while others sorely lack suitable sorting and processing centres. This imbalance leads to massive exports of waste to developing countries, where recycling sometimes takes place under environmentally and socially worrying conditions. The General tax on polluting activities (TGAP) in France serves as a tax incentive to encourage local authorities and businesses to strengthen their infrastructure and reduce their reliance on landfill or incineration.

A cost that is often higher than the production of virgin materials

Recycling is expensive. Sorting, transporting and processing waste requires infrastructure and specialised labour. In some cases, it is more economical for companies to use virgin raw materials rather than recycled materials. Paper is a perfect example of this, with the price of recycled paper sometimes up to 20% higher than that of virgin paper. It is precisely to redress this imbalance that the AGEC law provides for quotas for the incorporation of recycled materials in certain sectors, as well as financial support mechanisms for the most virtuous industries.

The carbon footprint of recycling

Recycling is not environmentally neutral. Transporting, sorting and processing waste consumes energy and generates CO2 emissions. Although these impacts are generally lower than those of extracting and manufacturing new raw materials, they remain significant and must be taken into account in the overall assessment of the benefits of recycling. In this regard, the AGEC law promotes eco-design and reduction at source to limit the overall carbon footprint of products’ life cycles.

The circular economy: a more efficient approach

Rather than relying solely on recycling, it is essential to adopt a broader approach based on the circular economy. This involves reducing waste at source, repairing items to extend their lifespan, and reusing materials as much as possible.

Deposit schemes for glass bottles, for example, enable containers to be reused rather than recycled. Similarly, encouraging the manufacture of modular and repairable products could significantly reduce our dependence on virgin raw materials. It is in this spirit that the AGEC law promotes deposit schemes, reuse and repair through new regulatory measures and dedicated funds.

Innovations in recycling

Certain technological advances promise to improve recycling efficiency. Chemical recycling of plastics, for example, could break down polymers into their basic components and reconstitute them as new. Efficiency has yet to be proven, and this technology, like others, must not be used as an excuse to continue producing ever more waste. Similarly, bacteria capable of digesting certain plastics are being studied and could offer novel solutions for treating the most problematic waste. The AGEC law also encourages innovation in eco-design and supports emerging technologies, in line with the national circular economy plan.

The role of consumers and industries

Consumers also have a key role to play. By choosing products with less packaging, adopting more sustainable consumption patterns and carefully following sorting instructions, everyone can help make recycling more efficient. For their part, companies must design products that are easier to recycle and invest in efficient recovery systems. Legislation, through the AGEC law, emphasises the extended responsibility of producers (EPR), who must now finance the treatment of their products at the end of their life and achieve high recycling and reuse targets.