VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — A study by the Recycling Council of British Columbia examines how much rigid plastic packaging is generated, recycled and discarded via landfill or incineration. If other provinces adopt the study's methodology, a clear picture will emerge of plastics packaging across Canada.
The study examines selected rigid plastic containers by categories such as beverage containers and tubs and lids. Estimates of plastics generation are based on North American resin sales prorated by population, with adjustments based on available regional sales data.
The findings show that the overall recycling rate for rigid plastic containers in British Columbia is 45.5 percent, ranging from between 13.4 and 66.6 percent, depending on the product. PET beverage bottles, which are returned for refund, have the highest recycling rates of 66.6 percent. Colored high density polyethylene has the lowest recycling rate of 13.4 percent, while the standard HDPE milk jug has a rate of 62.5 percent.
"Inventory of Rigid Plastic Containers Generated, Recovered and Discarded in British Columbia" was conducted by Toronto-based consultants Enviros RIS. Electronic copies of the 30-page report are available from RCBC of Vancouver.
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