Study shows PET, glass, aluminium can recycling available to 92% of US population

It has been found in the latest study by Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) that 92 per cent of the U.S. population has access to various recycling programs for non-metallic packaging wastes, followed closely by the same percentage for aluminium beverage cans. For both material types this broke down to 68 per cent through curbside collection—including opt-in and subscription programs—and 24 per cent through drop-off programs.



According to the data published in the report, programs for glass beverage bottle recycling were available to 81 per cent of the population while carton (LDPE coated as well as aluminium coated cartons) recycling was available to 55 per cent.

The study was conducted by Resource Recycling Systems and Moore Recycling Associates, and sponsored by a number of industry trade groups.

While this study showed good progress for major material categories, it also brought out limitations of certain program types.

"The more convenient we can make recycling for consumers, the more people will recycle," George Southworth, a director of industry affairs at the Society of the Plastics Industry, said in a statement. "This study shows many Americans have the resources they need to recycle, so it’s up to us to keep educating and advocating for more effective recycling."