Skip to main content

Confused about recycling? It’s not your fault - Shannon Odell

296,559 Views

3,578 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

If you’ve ever looked at the bottom of a disposable bottle or cup, you’ve probably noticed a recycling symbol. Seeing this, many people assume the item should be put in a recycling bin. Yet many plastics are incapable of being recycled at most centers. In fact, only 9% is recycled each year. So why are so few plastics recycled? And what do these symbols actually mean? Shannon Odell investigates.

Of the 360 million tons of plastic created annually worldwide, what percentage is actually recycled?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Script Writer Shannon Odell
  • Director Yuval Haker, Alon Sivan
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
  • Animator Alon Sivan, Yuval Haker, Dana Roth, Pavelas Laptevas, John McColgan
  • Music Dana Roth
  • Sound Designer Dana Roth
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Sazia Afrin
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Shannon Odell
  • Expert Consultant Rebecca Altman