Recycling in the US and elsewhere

 I recently saw this video on Youtube:

 

Since I am a Environmental Engineer by training (with one of my three specializations being waste management), I found the video very interesting. However, it struck me that apparently, the US is quite a bit behind concerning recycling. I did some research and found that the US recycles only about 32% of its waste, while the EU recycles about 50%. This is quite a significant difference, and it made me wonder why this is the case.

Contrast this to Germany, which has a recycling rate of about 66%. Germany has implemented a comprehensive waste management system that includes strict regulations, public awareness campaigns, and incentives for recycling. The country has also invested in advanced recycling technologies and infrastructure, which has helped to increase the recycling rate.
Also Switzerland, which has a recycling rate of about 53%, has implemented a similar approach to waste management. The country has strict regulations on waste disposal, and it has also invested in advanced recycling technologies and infrastructure.

On the other hand, the US has a more fragmented approach to waste management, with different regulations and policies at the federal, state, and local levels. This has led to a lack of consistency and coordination in waste management efforts, which may be contributing to the lower recycling rate. Additionally, the US has a culture of convenience and consumerism that may discourage recycling and encourage the use of single-use products and packaging. Lobbying by large corporations that produce single-use products and packaging may also be a factor in the lower recycling rate in the US. These corporations may have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and may resist efforts to increase recycling rates or reduce waste. Overall, it seems that a combination of factors, including regulatory fragmentation, cultural attitudes, and corporate influence, may be contributing to the lower recycling rate in the US compared to other countries.