Plastics Recycling: Where We Are & Where We’re Headed

Understanding the current state of plastics recycling and what opportunities exist can help shape smart policy and supply chain collaboration to improve recycling rates.    

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Advancing U.S. Plastic Recycling

Plastics recycling is undergoing significant advancements due to innovative technologies and large-scale investments, which are helping increase the amount of plastics recycled in the U.S. These developments are enabling the recycling of a wider range of plastics, while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our recycling infrastructure. Embracing these advancements can help balance modern living with environmental responsibility.

Reclaiming Our Plastic Resources

4.7 billion

Pounds of plastic reclaimed annually in the U.S. – a 34% increase over what we processed a decade ago.  

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Expanding Participation Through Infrastructure, Education  

83%

Recyclable materials are going to waste today. Improving collection systems, sortation capabilities and consumer education can help all of us recycle more plastics.  

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The Shred on Mechanical Recycling

Most plastic recycling is currently done through mechanical processes, which sorts, shreds and melts plastics to reuse in new products. There is growing momentum to invest in the recycling system to create a more circular economy. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and near-infrared optics, are enhancing the efficiency of recycling.

Advancing What Can Be Recycled

An array of technologies known as advanced recycling is helping tackle more of today’s hard-to-recycle plastics, allowing them to be reused, repurposed and reimagined into tomorrow’s products.