Published by ALA Recycling Industries — Over 40 Years of Sustainable Waste Solutions
Plastic has been a part of everyday American life for nearly a century. From toothbrushes and packaging to electronics and automotive parts, it’s everywhere. And yet, in recent years, plastic has become public enemy number one in environmental circles — linked to ocean pollution, overflowing landfills, and toxic waste concerns.
But is plastic really the villain? Or are we just using it wrong?
A Complex Material with a Complex Story
Plastic was originally celebrated as an eco-friendly innovation — a substitute for scarce natural resources like ivory, tortoiseshell, and even shellac. It reduced the pressure on endangered species and allowed for the mass production of goods at lower environmental and economic costs.
Today, plastic’s reputation has shifted dramatically. It’s now synonymous with waste, particularly single-use items like grocery bags, straws, and packaging — the kinds of products that clog waterways and litter beaches. Over half of the 600 billion pounds of plastic produced each year goes into disposable items used once, then discarded.
It’s Not the Material — It’s How We Use It
At ALA Recycling Industries, we understand that plastic itself isn’t inherently harmful — wasteful practices are. Items like disposable syringes and plastic water bottles play life-saving roles during natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Plastics also help reduce energy use in transportation, construction, and clean energy by being lightweight and efficient.
But when used thoughtlessly — for items with lifespans of minutes — plastic becomes a problem.
Rethinking Plastic Starts with Reuse and Recycling
Recycling and reusing materials is key to reducing landfill dependence and environmental damage. At ALA Recycling Industries, we help businesses minimize waste through smart solutions like:
📦 Buying & Selling Used Gaylord Boxes
These heavy-duty corrugated containers are ideal for:
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Storing and transporting recyclable plastics
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Collecting post-industrial waste
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Reducing reliance on disposable packaging
By reusing Gaylord boxes, companies can reduce packaging costs and environmental impact — a win-win.
♻️ Industrial Plastic Recycling Programs
We work with manufacturers and recyclers to collect, sort, and process bulk plastic scrap for reintroduction into the supply chain, giving plastic a second (or third) life.
The Future of Plastic: Smarter Design, Smarter Use
With new technologies, we now have the ability to:
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Create bioplastics from renewable sources
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Design non-toxic, recyclable plastics
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Build closed-loop recycling systems for businesses and municipalities
The real challenge? Shifting from the disposable mindset of the 20th century to a sustainable, circular economy for the 21st.
ALA Recycling Industries: Turning Plastic Problems into Business Solutions
With over 40 years in the recycling industry, ALA Recycling Industries has been at the forefront of industrial sustainability. Whether you’re a manufacturer, warehouse operator, or recycler, we offer proven solutions to help you reduce waste, cut costs, and do right by the planet.
📞 Contact us today to see how we can help your business rethink plastic — and turn waste into opportunity.