Does PET recycling work?

Yes, PET plastic is fully recyclable, and new products can be made using up to 100% recycled content.

Recognized by the #1 inside the triangle ♳, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is collected, processed, and turned into new packaging and products through established recycling systems. In fact, PET is the most recycled plastic in the world. When PET is properly collected and recycled, it reduces waste and supports a circular economy.

University of Michigan football fans hold a blue recycling bag during the Recycle Bowl, encouraging PET bottle recycling and game-day sustainability.

Participating in the 2026 Recycle Bowl?

Looking for Recycle Bowl details? Visit the Recycle Bowl page for everything you need to know—or keep scrolling to learn how PET plastic recycling works and why it matters. ♳

NAPCOR 2024 PET Recycling Report Infographic

PET's North American Recycling Rates

PET bottle recycling rates in 2024:

♻️The US PET bottle collection rate was 30.2%, following 2023’s peak of 32.5%.

♻️The average amount of post-consumer recycled PET used in US bottles was 15.9%, remaining above the prior three-year average of 13.7%, despite a slight decrease from 2023, driven by increased volumes of virgin PET resin in the market.

♻️The North American PET bottle recycling rate (the US, Canada, and Mexico) was 39.2%, remaining well above the 30% threshold established by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to demonstrate that recycling works “in practice and at scale.”

View the 2024 PET Recycling Report infographic as a PNG or as a PDF.

Want to learn more?

Don’t ban it, recycle it. Explore how collection and recycling are part of the plastic pollution solution, and the three steps we can all take to help end plastic waste.

Want to recycle right?

Get started right now by following these three steps:

1. Sort at the source.

Always recycle the 1! ♳ PET plastic is fully recyclable, and while most curbside programs across the US accept it, what your area recycles depends on where you live. To find out what’s accepted, check your local municipality’s waste management website. Generally, you can recycle plastic bottles/jugs, metal cans, paper, and flattened cardboard. Ensure items are empty, clean, and dry, and never bag recyclables.

2. Keep your lid on.

Water and soda bottle lids are sometimes made from plastics other than PET, but if you leave the lid or cap on, it will be recycled with the bottle.

3. Rinse and repeat.

After removing any residual liquids or food remnants, rinse your PET containers if possible. Sticky containers invite insects. Plus, putting dirty containers and paper in the same recycling bin risks contaminating the paper with residue, making it unrecyclable.

And voila. If you follow these three steps, you’ve recycled right. Consider yourself a recycling champion!

More bins. More wins.

Recycling is a collective effort, and each of us can help strengthen it:

You can take action in your community by contacting your local government or state resource council and asking about placing free recycling bins in public spaces.

We also encourage you to spread the word that collecting and recycling PET are part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Learn more about reducing plastic pollution and read our POLITICO article about the three steps we can all take to help end plastic waste.

The more people understand and advocate for recycling, the more it becomes a community priority.

Know what to recycle.

The best way to find out which materials your community accepts is to check with your local government or recycling provider. You can review their printed materials, visit their website, or contact them directly for the most up-to-date guidance.

Need help getting started? The Recycling Partnership answers many common recycling questions, and Recycle Nation helps you find recycling centers and learn what you can recycle in your area.

Thank you for doing your part to recycle! Every bottle and container you recycle helps keep valuable materials in use and supports a more circular economy.