Plastic Waste:
Rethinking Single-Use Culture

Plastic waste contributes to climate change, harms ecosystems, and impacts human health

Madeline Nieto Hope with a tray of Gleaned Apples in West Marin.

“Recycling plastic is not enough. We need to reduce our demand for it.”

Madeline Nieto Hope
(WMCA-Waste and Consumption Lead)

A person holding a recycling bin filled with recyclable items such as glass, paper, and plastic.

The Impact of Plastic Waste

Plastic is a product of fossil fuels, contributing significantly to carbon emissions and pollution. It accumulates in oceans, harms marine life, and breaks down into microplastics that pollute land, water, and air.

Plastics don’t fully decompose, but they break down into tiny pieces through photodegradation—when sunlight makes them brittle and they crumble into microplastics

Despite being labeled as recyclable, less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled. Only plastics #1 (PETE), #2 (HDPE), and #5 (PP) have reliable markets for recycling in West Marin.

A beach with sand, sky, and plants visible. There is a pile of waste on the sand that includes styrofoam, unidentified plastics, and a Coca-Cola can.

The Truth About Recycling Plastic

The plastic industry has led us to believe that by adding the triangular recycling sign to all plastic products, it can be easily recycled. This is false.

Unlike glass, metal, or paper, plastic is not a closed-loop material. It can only be recycled once or twice before ending up in a landfill or the environment. Bioplastics are also not recyclable or compostable in West Marin’s system. The solution lies in reducing and reusing plastic, not relying solely on recycling.

How We Are Leading The Way

Farmer’s Market Sorting Stations

Sorting stations have been installed by WMCA, in collaboration with the Agricultural Institute of Marin and Recology Sonoma Marin.
These will help customers dispose of waste correctly and encourage mindful habits.
Plastic-Free Advocacy

Advocating for federal policies like the Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act.
Supporting local initiatives like Marin County’s Reusable Foodware Ordinance, Plastic Bag Bans, and SB-1383-Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy.
Educational Events and Resources

Explore our plastic resources and ways to Take Action to reduce waste.
Find local educational events designed to inspire and empower you. Learn from experts, connect with others, and find solutions.