PET Recycling Rate Increases to 28 Percent

The national recycling rate for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers reached 28 percent in 2009, according to a recent report from the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) and the PET Resin Association (PETRA).

According to the report — titled “2009 Report on Post Consumer PET Container Recycling Activity” — 2009 marked the sixth straight year that the rate has increased. The recycling rate was 27 percent in 2008 and 24.6 percent in 2007.

“This steady climb in the PET recycling rate illustrates a continued commitment to recycling, and it’s something the APR will certainly continue to foster,” said Scott Saunders, chairman of APR and general manager of KW Plastics Recycling, in a press release.

The full report is available at NAPCOR’s website.