In the mid-1970s, the growing environmental movement tried hard to tax or ban plastics, especially plastic packaging. The plastics industry responded by promoti

In the mid-1970s, the growing environmental movement tried hard to tax or ban plastics, especially plastic packaging. The plastics industry responded by promoting recycling purely for its public-relations value. It was never economical, and often isn't even practical, even today. I.e. An Exxon VP in 1994: "We are committed to the activities, but not committed to the results." [1] 1. https://www.opb.org/article/2024/02/16/plastic-recycling-waste/ https://www.opb.org/article/2024/02/16/plastic-recycling-was... Also see: https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-the-public-into-believing-plastic-would-be-recycled https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-...