Canada's recycling of plastic packaging increased by 15%

According to a new report released by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) on June 11, an additional 15% of plastic packaging was recycled in 2010 compared to 2009.

Moore Recycling Associates Inc, the company that is responsible for the report, said in total over 217 million kg of post-consumer plastic packaging were collected for recycling in Canada.

"We are elated that around 70% of the plastic packaging collected, was recycled in Canada. This amounts to more than 149 million kg. We are building a recycling industry in Canada, re-using valuable plastic materials and creating jobs to grow the economy." says Carol Hochu, President and CEO of the CPIA.

Plastic packaging collected for recycling includes plastic bottles, non-bottle rigid plastics such as deli and dairy containers, bakery, vegetable, fruit containers, and plastic film, bags and outer wrap. According to the report, these resources are reused to make, for example, fleece jackets, new plastic bottles, pipe, pallets, crates and buckets, decking and other lawn and garden products.

The plastic recycled quantities reported for 2010 by Moore and Associates Inc. compared to 2009 represent an increase of 13% for bottles, representing a total of 150 million kg, an increase of 6% for non-bottle rigids for a total of almost 30 million kg and an increase of 36% for plastic bags and outer wrap for a total of almost 37 million kg.

CPIA pointed out that, in particular, there was over a 50% increase in plastic film and bags collected for recycling from commercial businesses. In addition, of the total film and bags recovered, a third came from consumer curbside recycling programs across Canada.

The report also pointed out that Canadian recyclers have underutilized capacity, meaning more opportunity for consumers and businesses to supply recyclers with more plastics. For instance, the report estimated that the film and bag recycling capacity in Canada to be at 38% utilization of the capacity and non- bottle rigid recycling capacity is at a 47% utilization of the capacity.

"Given the large access to plastic recycling collection programs across Canada, we are calling upon consumers and businesses to participate in them. Used plastics are valuable resources to be re-manufactured into new products," says Cathy Cirko, Vice President of CPIA.

The report was derived from a survey of over 500 companies who are handling recycled plastics in North America. These companies are made up of reclaimers, exporters, brokers, MRFs (Material Recovery Facilities) and other handlers of used plastics.