Closed-loop recycling

[1][2][3][4] By reducing the production and use of raw materials, closed-loop recycling minimizes harm to the environment and discourages resource depletion.

[2] This reduces the amount of (non-biodegradable) waste disposed, as recyclables are recovered and reused, rather than ending up in a landfill or as a pollutant.

In ideal systems, materials are recycled indefinitely with practically no net change in quality or properties.

[4] Some biodegradable waste may also be considered part of a closed-loop recycling system if it can be broken down into natural materials and disposed of without polluting the environment or causing other negative impacts.

[citation needed] The demand for products and efficiency of closed-loop supply chains are affected by the value of reclaimed resources.

For example, recycling one ton of plastic in a closed-loop system saves about 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space.