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Progress in Plastics Recycling


Plastics’ recycling is an established industry in the United States with nearly 18,000 companies handling and reclaiming post-consumer plastics.

Plastic Recycling Statistics:

In 2009, 4.2 billion pounds of plastics were recycled in the United States, saving enough energy to power 2.1 million homes.

Recycling programs can vary from place to place, but most community curbside programs recycle plastic bottles, and many large grocery and retail chains now offer bins to collect plastic bags and wraps for recycling. So, there’s a very good chance you chance you can recycle these common items where you live.

Here are a few tips to help you recycle more of the plastics you use:

  • Bottles Go Curbside: Make sure to include any plastic beverage bottles, food jars (e.g., peanut butter and mayonnaise), and bottles from shampoo, toiletries, laundry detergent and other household cleaners. Give them a quick rinse and don’t forget to include your caps by placing back on your bottles before you place them in your recycling bin. In 2009, nearly 2.5 billion pounds of plastic bottles were recycled in the United States, and the plastic bottle recycling rate climbed to 28 percent. » view full report

  • Bags and Wraps Go Back to Grocery Stores or Retailers: Remember to include your grocery and retail bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, and wraps from bread, bathroom tissue, paper towels, beverage cases, diapers and baby wipes.  In 2009, more than 855 pounds of plastic bags and wraps were recycled in the United States—up 31 percent from 2005. According to EPA data, about 12 percent of plastic bags and wraps were recycled, and with more stores and more communities adopting plastic bag recycling programs, these statistics are continuing to increase. » view full report

  • Check to See if Other Plastic Containers Are Recycled Curbside in Your Area: More and more communities are recycling plastic containers in addition to bottles. Check your community’s website or your local grocer to see if to see if they collect yogurt cups, butter tubs, deli containers, lids and other plastics. Currently, about one-third of the nations’ largest cities recycle rigid plastic containers in addition to bottles, and that number continues to rise. Nearly 480 million pounds of these materials were recycled nationwide in 2009. » view full report



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