Plastic
The world's annual consumption of plastic materials has increased from around 5 million tonnes in the 1950s to nearly 100 million tonnes.
Nearly all plastics in use are made from oil, and resist any form of biodegradable decomposition.
These non-biodegradable plastics cause problems when incinerated as most give off poisonous gases when burned.
Why recycle vending cups?
Millions of vending cups are used each month, most of which are disposed to landfill.
The plastic provided by recycling vending cups is valued because of its versatility, durability and resilience. Manufacturing plastics from recycled materials uses 30% of the energy needed to make virgin plastic products from fossil fuels.