Skip to main content

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

273,165 Views

2,312 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.

WatchThink 5 Multiple Choice &
3 Open Answer Questions Dig Deeper Learn More Discuss 0 Guided Discussions &
3 Open Discussions
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