What Are the World's Most Recycled Materials?

According to the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, asphalt is the most recycled material in the world. Almost 80 million tons (73 million metric tons) of hot-mix asphalt is recycled each year in the U.S. alone. This claim of asphalt being the most recycled material in the world does not go unchallenged, however, with the Steel Recycling Institute saying that steel is the most recycled material. Other notable claimants for the most recycled materials in the world include glass, paper and plastic.

More facts about recycling materials:

• Recycled asphalt is often mixed with other materials and used to repave older roadways as well as to pave new ones. Materials such as fly ash, roof shingles and even rubber from old tires might be included in the mix.


• A plastic bottle dumped into a landfill will take 100 to 1,000 years to decompose. Although plastic is often cited as taking the longest to decompose, glass can take longer. Depending on the type of glass involved, the decomposition period may be as long as 4,000 years.


• Many municipalities offer recycling programs, with some programs managed as city services and others outsourced to recycling companies. The most popular materials to recycle through these programs include paper, including cardboard; glass; plastic; and aluminum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most recycled material in the world?

Steel is the most recycled material on the planet, with a global recycling rate of over 70%, according to the World Steel Association. It's used in various applications, from construction and automotive to packaging, and its magnetic properties make it easy to separate from waste streams.

How much paper is recycled annually worldwide?

Approximately 65% of paper products are recycled annually worldwide, as reported by the American Forest & Paper Association. This translates to millions of tons of paper, which saves energy, water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new paper from virgin wood.

What makes aluminum an efficient material to recycle?

Aluminum is highly efficient to recycle because it can be reprocessed indefinitely without losing quality. Recycling aluminum saves about 95% of the energy required to make the same amount of aluminum from its virgin source, bauxite, as per the Aluminum Association. This makes it both economically and environmentally beneficial.

Are plastics widely recycled, and what are the challenges?

Plastics recycling rates vary widely, with only about 9% of plastic waste being recycled globally, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Challenges include the variety of plastic types, contamination in recycling streams, and the cost of recycling some plastics compared to producing new materials.

What role does glass recycling play in sustainability?

Glass recycling is a key component of sustainability efforts, as glass can be recycled endlessly without loss in quality or purity. The Glass Packaging Institute notes that recycled glass not only conserves raw materials but also reduces energy consumption, with furnaces running at lower temperatures when using recycled glass.

Is electronic waste being effectively recycled, and why is it important?

Electronic waste, or e-waste, has a relatively low recycling rate, with only about 20% being properly recycled, as stated by the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership. Effective recycling is crucial due to the valuable and sometimes hazardous materials contained in electronics. Proper recycling prevents environmental contamination and recovers precious metals like gold and silver.