Recycling of Plastic Packaging in Canada Rises 10 Percent in 2012

Canadians recycled about 10 percent more plastic packaging in 2012 compared with the previous year, according to a new report.

The study by the Mississauga, Ontario-based Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) showed that recycling of post-consumer plastic packaging in Canada rose to 285 million kilograms (627 million pounds).  It was the third consecutive year Canadian recycling of the material has increased, according to a news release.

The study was conducted by Moore Recycling Associates Inc., Sonoma, Calif. The results came from surveys of companies that handle recycled plastics in North America.

The increase resulted from more material being collected for recycling, as well as more companies providing recycling information.

"We are pleased to see an overall increase in companies participating in this valuable survey and in the amount of plastic packaging collected and recycled in Canada,” said Carol Hochu, president and CEO of the CPIA.

The increases compared with 2011 include 3 percent for bottles; 29 percent for non-bottle rigids; 18 percent for plastic bags and outer wrap; and 24 percent for polystyrene foam.