What is a key disadvantage of the current disposal methods for plastics?

The key disadvantage of current plastic disposal methods is that they are difficult to recycle. Many types of plastics are engineered to be durable and long-lasting, which is beneficial for their useful life in products but creates significant challenges when it comes to disposal and recycling. The complexity of plastic materials can result in contamination during the recycling process, as not all plastics can be easily separated and processed together. Furthermore, the current recycling infrastructure is often inadequate to handle the volume and variety of plastics produced, leading to a situation where a substantial percentage of plastics end up in landfills or the environment rather than being recycled. This difficulty not only contributes to waste but also exacerbates environmental pollution issues associated with plastics, such as ocean pollution and harm to wildlife. Thus, the challenges in recycling contribute significantly to the problems posed by plastic waste disposal.