Recycling

Plastic makers and recyclers have invested billions of dollars to help support a nationwide infrastructure to recycle plastic packaging, and we continue to develop new, innovative programs to collect additional plastic products. More and more communities across the nation are turning to recycling as an effective way to help the environment and to prevent litter.

Plastic Is Too Valuable To Waste: It Belongs in the Recycling Bin

For example, in 2009 the total pounds of plastic bottles recycled reached a record high 2,456 million pounds in the United States. That’s an increase of 46 million pounds over 2008.

Plastic bags and wrap recycling also increased significantly. In 2009, more than 850 million pounds of plastic bags and product wraps were recycled. That’s a 31% increase since 2005.

And more than 479 million pounds of rigid household containers (e.g., plastic tubs, trays and lids) were recycled in the United States that year, a remarkable jump of 33% over 2008 and a 47% increase since 2007.

Today, more than 80 percent of U.S. households have access to a recycling program, either curbside collection or a community drop-off center. And, it’s never been easier to recycle bags and product wraps. More than 12,000 stores across the country offer recycling bins and national retailers like Target, Wal-Mart and Lowe’s have bins at their stores nationwide.

Learn more about:

• Recycling and reusing plastics—Plastics Make It Possible®
• Plastic recycling, including tips for consumers
• The latest plastic bottle recycling statistics
• How to recycle more of the plastic bags and wraps you use
• The latest statistics for recycling plastic bags and wraps
• Plastic bag facts
• The latest statistics for recycling household plastic containers
• Actions by America’s plastics makers to prevent marine debris