Recycling programs for non-bottle rigid containers are the fastest growing programs in Canada.
A report commissioned by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association indicated recycling programs are available for 93 percent of rigid PET and high density polyethylene packaging. Recycling access for other types of non-bottle rigid packaging — PVC, low density polyethylene and polypropylene — has grown to more than 80 percent.
Recycling access to plastic beverage containers is holding steady at 98 percent or more, according to “2014 Recycling Access Report for Plastic Containers and Packaging.” While bottle recycling access is nearly saturated, more municipal programs are adding non-bottle rigid packaging to their streams.
CPIA of Mississauga, Ontario, said the study also showed access to recycling is at about 67 percent for retail shopping bags and about 74 percent for horticultural products.
“This year's study, which marks a decade of data, provides validation of our support and outreach efforts to help industry, government and fellow Canadians to have more opportunities to recycle plastic packaging,” stated CPIA vice president of sustainability Krista Friesen in a news release.
A copy of the report is available online at the CPIA website.