Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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The world is drowning in trash, and, each day, we toss out 3.5 million tons of it. Its presence pollutes our lands and waters, with harmful impacts to many living things on Earth.

Recycling is a proposed solution to the trash problem. But placing the "burden" of recycling education on the consumer "is a big problem," Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, co-founder and COO of WATS, a tech company that helps businesses reduce their waste, told Horizons host William Brangham.

"One of the things that I always start with when I'm educating people about waste is it's confusing, and it's not your fault," Danberg-Ficarelli said.

Horizons from PBS News, dives into the science, health, technology and environmental issues making headlines each week. Visit the PBS News website to watch this week's episode.

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