What type of materials commonly lead to environmental issues if not recycled properly?

Plastics are a significant concern for environmental issues if not recycled properly. They are not biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally in the environment and can persist for hundreds of years. This longevity leads to accumulation in landfills and oceans, causing several problems such as harming wildlife, contributing to pollution, and potentially entering the food chain when ingested by animals.

While biodegradable materials and organic waste are designed to break down naturally, improper disposal can still lead to short-term environmental issues, but they do not pose the same long-term consistent threat as plastics. Metals, too, can cause environmental harm, especially if leaking toxic substances, but they are generally recyclable and can be processed without degrading their quality. Thus, through their pervasive presence and long-lasting environmental impact, plastics stand out as one of the most critical materials to recycle correctly to mitigate environmental harm.