Canadian businesses and consumers recycled 15% more plastic packaging in 2010 than in 2009, a new report by Moore Recycling Associates has said.
The report was published on behalf of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), and claims that in total, more than 217 million kilograms of post-consumer plastic packaging was recycled in 2010
Bottle recycling increased by 13%, non-rigid bottles by 6% and the recycling of plastic bags and outer wraps increased by 36%.
According to CPIA, the increase is primarily due to the collection of more material for recycling as well as more companies providing recycling information.
The results are based on a survey of over 500 companies, made up of reclaimers, exporters, brokers, material recovery facilities (MRFs) and other companies handling recycled plastics in North America.
CPIA president and CEO Carol Hochu said that 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.
An over 50% increase was seen in plastic film and bags collected for recycling from commercial businesses, and a third of the total film and bags recovered were sourced from consumer curbside recycling programmes across the country.
The report concluded that the capacity of film and bag recycling and non-bottle rigid recycling in Canada is expected to use 38% and 47% of the capacity, respectively.
CPIA said it continues to work with partners and stakeholders across the country to increase recycling opportunities.
Image: Canadians recycled more than 2017 million kg of post-consumer plastic packaging in 2010. Photo: Keattikorn.
