PLASTIC RECYCLING MYTHSKEEFE HARRISON

It takes more energy to recycle

It takes more energy to recycle

84% energy reduction: recycled PET flake

FALSE!

Bottles can go back to bottles

Bottles can go back to bottles

TRUE!

Only bottles have US markets

Only bottles have US markets

plasticbagrecycling.orgplasticsrecycling.org/rigid-plastics

FALSE!

EPS isn’t recyclable

EPS isn’t recyclable

Photo source: www.frgwaste.com

FALSE!

Caps are not recyclable

Caps are not recyclable

FALSE!

TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTSPlastic Recycling Myths

2009 2010 2011 2012

All #1-7containers 16 24 27 32

Only #1-7 bottles 8 7 6 6

All #1-7 containers w/some exceptions (i.e. no #6)

6 4 5 6

Total 30* 35* 38* 44*

2009 2010 2011 2012

All #1 & #2 containers 8 5 4 2

Only #1 & #2, bottles 10 10 8 4

Total 18* 15* 12* 6*

US Municipalities Accepting Only 1 & 2 Bottles

US Municipalities Accepting 1 through 7 Plastics

Source: Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers

www.recyclegroceryplastics.org

www.plasticbagrecycling.org

www.fpi.org

www.napcor.com

Keefe HarrisonQuestions?

Keefe Harrisonkharrison@recycle.com, 864.760.8828