Access to Plastics Recycling More Widespread Than Previously Believed

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May 31, 2011, 11:44 ET

Study Shows 94% of Americans Can Recycle an Assortment of Plastic Bottles

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A study released today by Moore Recycling Associates Inc. found that a much larger portion of the U.S. population has ready access to recycle commonly used plastics than previously believed. Specifically the study, "Plastics Recycling Collection: National Reach Study," found that 94 percent of Americans have access to recycle plastic bottles and 40 percent of the population also can recycle other types of plastic containers, such as yogurt cups, dairy tubs and lids.

Although the study surveyed nearly 2,500 communities across the United States, it found that within the 100 largest cities, the percentage of the population with access to recycle plastic containers in addition to bottles has nearly doubled since 2008.

The study did not look at recycling film plastics – a category that includes plastic bags and many product wraps –but it is well documented that these materials are collected separately at more than 12,000 locations across the country.

"We are thrilled that so many consumers have access to plastics recycling in their communities," said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council. "The next step is to increase awareness, so that more people take advantage of this opportunity to do something good for our environment and for the businesses that depend on this valuable material."

Recyclers, typically small community-based businesses, rely on consumers to recover a steady supply of used plastics, such as assorted bottles, containers, bags and wraps. Recycled plastics can be made into a variety of innovative products, including soft T-shirts, durable backyard decks, storage containers, car parts, decorative moldings and other home building products, cutting boards, and even fashionable hand bags.

The study also noted that it is more effective to communicate which plastics are recycled in various communities by listing shapes (e.g., bottles, tubs, trays, lids, etc.) than by listing resin codes (numbers 1-7), which can be confusing.

Below are some tips to make it easier to recycle more of the plastics we use every day:

Bottles: For recycling purposes, a bottle is any container with a neck or an opening that's smaller than its base. Include the following wherever plastic bottles are recycled:

Milk jugs
Beverage bottles (e.g., water, soft drinks, juice and beer)
Bottles from shampoo, toiletries, laundry detergent and other household cleaners
Salad dressing, cooking oil and condiment bottles
Food jars, such as peanut butter and mayonnaise
Tip: Twist caps back on before placing in the recycling bin; recyclers want those, too!

Containers: Include the following wherever containers, tubs and/or lids are recycled:

Yogurt cups
Butter tubs
Deli containers
Dairy containers
Frozen food trays
Produce containers (hinged or lidded)
Lids

Bags and Wraps: Clean and dry plastic bags and wraps should be returned to grocery and retail stores for recycling instead of being placed in curbside bins. Include the following wherever plastic bags are recycled:

Grocery bags
Retail bags (remove hard plastic or string handles)
Newspaper bags
Dry cleaning bags (remove paper and hangers)
Bread bags (with crumbs shaken out)
Produce bags
Sealable and non-sealable food storage bags
Product wraps from paper towels, bathroom tissue, napkins, bulk beverages, and diapers

For more information, see: http://plastics.americanchemistry.com/recycling.

ACC sponsored this study as part of a cooperative effort with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, a project of the nonprofit GreenBlue, which is working to launch a new voluntary labeling system for the recycling of packaging in June. This initiative is designed to help consumers better understand how to recycle various packaging components and to provide a harmonized approach to consumer communication on recycling. Coming in June: www.REstarttheCYCLE.com.

http://www.americanchemistry.com

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $674 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council