The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has released a new report which informs that the recycling efforts by Canadians have increased the amount of post-consumer plastic packaging being recycled across the country.
Moore Recycling Associates said that an additional 15% of plastic packaging was recycled in 2010, compared to 2009. The increase is primarily due to the collection of more material for recycling as well as more companies providing recycling information.
The plastic recycled quantities represent an increase of 13% for bottles, an increase of 6% for non-bottle rigids and a rise of 36% for plastic bags and outer wrap. In total, over 217 million kilograms of post-consumer plastic packaging were collected for recycling.
The results are derived based on a survey of over 500 companies made up of reclaimers, exporters, brokers, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and are handling recycled plastics in North America.
CPIA president and CEO Carol Hochu said around 70% of the plastic packaging collected was recycled in Canada, which amounts to more than 149 million kilograms.
"We are building a recycling industry in Canada, re-using valuable plastic materials and creating jobs to grow the economy," Hochu added.
CPIA noted that plastic bottles, non-bottle rigid plastics such as deli and dairy containers, bakery, vegetable, fruit containers, and plastic film, bags and outer wrap are collected for recycling.
Over 50% increase was seen in plastic film and bags collected for recycling from commercial businesses and in addition, a third of the total film and bags recovered came from consumer curbside recycling programs across Canada.
CPIA continues to work with partners and stakeholders across the country in an effort to increase recycling opportunities.
