Learn interesting facts and benefits of recycling on Illinois Recycling Association website. Plastics Facts: Nationwide, 6% of all discarded plastic was recycled in 2000. 21% of all discarded plastic bottles were recycled. Recycling Reduces Emissions of Air and Water Pollutants Recycling produces less of 27 different types of pollutants, when compared with using virgin materials, in manufacturing products and disposing wastes.