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 plays an important role in reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.

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 PET is 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.

PET plastic is fully recyclable, but whether it’s accepted in your area depends on where you live. To learn what is accepted, check your local municipality’s waste management website, as rules vary by location. 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 often 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 the residue, rendering the paper unrecyclable.

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

More bins. More wins.

Add plastic recycling bins to public areas. Contact your local city government or your state’s resource council and ask if they offer free recycling bins.

Know what to recycle.

The best way to find out what materials are accepted in your community 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 has answers to many common recycling questions, and Recycle Nation helps you locate recycling centers and learn what can be recycled 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. We encourage you to spread the word that PET is part of the plastic pollution solution. Learn more about reducing plastic pollution and read our POLITICO article about the three steps we can all take to help end plastic waste.