From Halloween treats to everyday snacks, candy is prevalent throughout the year, with the average American consuming eight pounds annually. Despite their small size, these colorful pieces of packaging often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and other waste challenges. Understanding the difficulties of recycling candy wrappers and exploring alternative options can help consumers make more sustainable choices.
The Challenge of Recycling Candy Wrappers
Candy wrappers often end up in the trash because they can’t be recycled using traditional methods. This is primarily due to their complex composition. Unlike plastic, paper, glass, or aluminum, which can be easily separated and repurposed, candy wrappers often contain a combination of materials. This mix makes it difficult for recycling facilities to sort and process them efficiently.
Food residue or contaminants on the wrappers can further complicate the recycling process. As a result, most recycling programs either don’t accept candy wrappers or have specific guidelines for their disposal, often requiring them to be placed in separate bins or dropped off at specialized recycling facilities.
Fortunately, there are alternative candy wrapper options that are more environmentally conscious. Some companies, like Nestlé, are exploring biodegradable materials, compostable materials, and recyclable paper. Additionally, consumers can opt for candy that comes in recyclable packaging, such as aluminum, cardboard, paper, or plastic. A few examples of this include Reese’s, Dots, Nerds, Mars bars, Junior Mints, and most gummy snacks.
A Solution to the Candy Wrapper Problem
While traditional recycling facilities need help processing candy wrappers due to their complex material composition and small size, advanced recycling technologies offer a promising solution. These specialized facilities employ innovative techniques like pyrolysis to break down the wrappers into their original building blocks, which can then be repurposed into new products. For example, Brightmark’s Plastics Renewal® technology can recycle all plastic types, including difficult-to-recycle plastics like candy wrappers, and convert it into a single output that can be used to create new circular products.
Small Steps, Big Impact
While recycling candy wrappers may not solve the entire waste problem, it’s a small step that can make a significant difference. Before purchasing another sweet treat, research candy companies and patronize those taking steps to be more mindful of the materials used in their packaging. If you’re looking to recycle mixed-material candy wrappers, search for a local advanced recycling company and ask if they accept individual drop-offs. With collective action, achieving a more sustainable future is possible.
