Recycling of non-bottle rigid plastics in USA

10-Mar-10

The American Chemistry Council recently released the 2008 report on the collection and recycling of post-consumer non-bottle rigid plastics across the United States. The report, found that in 2008, over 361 million lbs of post-consumer rigid plastics were collected for recycling nationwide, an increase of nearly 11% from 2007. Also, in North American markets, much of the recycled material was used to manufacture new products, such as pallets, crates, composite lumber, and gardening items. According to the report the number of communities collecting mixed rigid plastics also has grown in response to demand from domestic and export buyers. The category "non-bottle rigid plastics" includes nondurable items (or packaging), such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubs, polypropylene (PP) cups and similar food containers and durable items, such as pallets, crates, carts, 5-gallon buckets and electronic housings. In 2008, 28 of the 100 largest US cities collected non-bottle rigid plastics through curbside programs, and a growing number of communities throughout the United States are recovering and recycling this material. Additionally, plastic scrap prices were strong the first 3 quarters of 2008.