Is Recycling Dead in the Water?

The Sultan of Garbage Author Shares 4 Tips on How to Reduce Waste and Be a More Responsible Consumer

NEW YORK, May 14, 2025 — Is recycling dead in the water? According to an article from the Sustainable Agency, only 9 percent of plastic waste was recycled in 2019, and the predicted global plastic recycling rate for 2040 will still be under 10 percent. With that in mind, Brian Belefant, author of The Sultan of Garbage (Atmosphere Press; ISBN: 979-8891323889; Hardcover) and award-winning fine art and advertising copywriter (Acura, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hertz, Pepsi, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Skippy), can help your audience embrace four tips on how to recycle, repurpose, and reduce waste.

1. Recycling involves more than just placing items in the blue bin. The internet is filled with creative people repurposing materials in innovative ways. For example, cardboard egg cartons can be transformed into seedling planters.

2. Consider creating “free piles” in your neighborhood. In Belefant’s community, residents place items on the curb with the understanding that if someone can use them, they’ll take them. Even broken items can find a new life this way. If things remain unclaimed after a few days, they can be discarded.

3. Don’t rush to throw items away. Many charities can help find new homes for used clothing, appliances, and other functional items you no longer want.

4. Think critically about your purchases. Make an effort to buy products that don't need to travel thousands of miles, contributing to pollution in our atmosphere. The most important step you can take is to reflect on whether you truly need that new shirt. Pay attention to the origins and packaging of the items you buy.

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