Recycling Represents Power, Not Just an Environmental Duty
Waste is not merely an environmental challenge. It represents a loss of economic and strategic power, says the Global Recycling Foundation. As nations discard valuable materials, those investing in advanced recycling systems are gaining control over the future.
Marking the opening of COP30, the United Nations climate summit in Brazil, Ranjit Baxi, Founder of the Global Recycling Foundation and Global Recycling Day, emphasized the growing value of waste resources.
He stated:
“Waste is a valuable currency. It may soon become more precious than land or oil. We are carelessly wasting materials that the world increasingly depends on, such as copper, lithium, nickel and aluminium.”
Recycling Is Becoming a Strategic Weapon
According to Baxi, countries that master recycling will dominate global supply chains. Many nations continue to export their waste, but forward-thinking economies are retaining and recovering scarce materials, which will become increasingly valuable.
He said operators who capture and process these resources will soon command high prices—especially for industries like electric vehicles, renewable energy and technology manufacturing.
“Precious minerals are turning into weapons of power,” he said.
Baxi highlighted China’s strategic rise. Once focused on low-cost production, China now invests heavily in recycling infrastructure and critical mineral processing.
“China is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer, but as the gatekeeper of the future. The West supports recycling, but it lags behind in advanced technologies. This gap will cost us soon.”
Recycling Still Not Prioritized at COP Conferences
Baxi first spoke on the urgency of integrating recycling into COP discussions in 2016 at COP22 in Morocco. Since then, he has called for its inclusion every year, but little progress has been made.
He explained:
“The recycling industry cuts carbon emissions, contributes billions to global GDP, supports millions of green jobs and reduces methane from landfills. Why is it still missing from the COP agenda?”
Massive Economic Opportunity Is Being Overlooked
Research shows that over £148 million worth of critical materials goes to recyclers annually, yet most gold, silver and platinum are recovered outside the country. The UK alone loses £13.64 million due to limited advanced recovery systems.
E-waste remains the biggest source of loss. In 2022, approximately $91 billion worth of metals were embedded in e-waste, but only $28 billion was recovered. Recovering these materials through urban mining can be more efficient and less damaging than traditional mining.
COP30 Missed Another Opportunity
COP30, held near the Amazon rainforest, again failed to attract strong global leadership. Recycling was not a significant topic of debate. The Global Recycling Foundation called this another missed global opportunity as climate disasters accelerate.
Despite progress toward Net Zero targets, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that surpassing the 1.5°C limit is inevitable and will bring severe consequences.
Recycling Technology Can Transform the Global Economy
The Global Recycling Foundation believes the economic impact of advanced recycling is enormous. The recycling technology industry is projected to reach $150-200 billion by 2030, driven by resource scarcity, ESG demands, and rapid urbanisation.
Reducing reliance on imported minerals such as lithium and cobalt can protect industries from volatile raw material markets and strengthen national security.
