The PET Supply Crisis: A Problem in Need of a Solution CONTAINER RECYCLING INSTITUTE CRI Container Recycling Institute 2006

Two Crucial RPET Supply Issues  Supply from current collection infrastructures is stagnant and cannot meet demand for scrap bottles  More and more volume is going to Asian markets

Mm lbs Source: “2004 National Post-Consumer Plastics Recycling Report.” R.W. Beck, Inc. for the American Plastics Council PET Bottle Recycling Not Keeping Pace with Sales

RPET Exports are Growing (millions of pounds) Source: “2004 Report on Post Consumer PET Container Recycling Activity.” NAPCOR

1. Voluntary mechanisms are inadequate 2. Stakeholder initiatives have failed 3. Deposits have a proven record of success

Voluntary systems are inadequate Percent Source: BioCycle, American Plastics Council, Aluminum Association, US Chamber of Commerce

Stakeholder initiatives have failed to create new supply of scrap bottles  NAPCOR Initiatives  BEAR Multi-Stakeholder Project  APC Initiatives  NSDA Efforts  BPEC Efforts

Deposits have a proven record of success 53% 10% 34% 15% Percent Source: “2004 National Post-Consumer Plastics Recycling Report.” R.W. Beck, Inc. for the American Plastics Council * 11 states require deposits on PET Soda bottles Recycling Rates for PET Soda Bottles* vs Custom PET

Why is the deposit system so successful?  Modeled after the beverage industry’s system for collecting refillable beer, soft drink and milk bottles that was in place for many decades  Refundable deposits provide a financial incentive to return container for recycling

There is a solution to the PET supply crisis. New and expanded container deposit laws would increase the supply of scrap PET bottles.

Waste News, November 24, 2003 with permission Leo Michael, editorial cartoonist

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