Plastic recycling in Canada jumps

Plastic recycling in Canada jumps

By Editorial Staff, Resource Recycling

A recent study shows the recovery of post-consumer plastics packaging in Canada rose by 24 percent in 2011.

The research [1], undertaken by Moore Recycling Associates on behalf of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, shows 592 million pounds of scrap plastics were collected for recycling in that year. Leading the way was a 70-percent leap in the recovery of non-bottle rigid packaging, a rise of 19 percent in the recovery of plastic bottles, and a one percent increase in plastic bag collections.

"We are pleased that two thirds of Canadian sourced recycled plastic was recycled in Canada," said CPIA president Carol Hochu. "Our recycling industry remains strong and capable of diverting more plastics from Canadian landfills."

The research also identifies room for improvement, however. Specifically, the report singled out MRF bale quality, bulky rigids and film collection.

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