What does a 100% recycling rate represent?

A 100% recycling rate indicates that all waste generated is being recycled. This means that every item that is traditionally considered waste is being processed and reused in some capacity, rather than being sent to a landfill or incinerated. The goal of achieving a 100% recycling rate is to minimize waste and maximize the re-use of materials, ensuring that valuable resources are kept in circulation within the economy.

While it may seem ideal, it is important to recognize that achieving 100% recycling does not mean that no solid waste is produced or that all materials discarded are reusable; in real-world scenarios, some items may not be suitable for recycling or reuse due to contamination or material type. Biodegradability is also a separate concept, as it refers to the ability of materials to break down into natural substances, which does not relate directly to recycling rates. The focus here is purely on the effective recycling of all waste produced.