All Bottle BMPs

The more complex a recycling program is perceived to be, the greater the possibility of public confusion and consequent low participation. Many local government recovery programs rely on resin codes (e.g., #1, #2, #3) to tell its citizens what plastic materials are recyclable in its communities. However, most communities actually only recycle bottles, so they often experience high levels of contamination when residents try to recycle other plastics, such as yogurt tubs or plastic bags that have the same resin code, but that have less recyclability.

“All plastic bottle” programs simplify education and public understanding. Research by the American Plastics Council has shown, in most cases, that implementing an APB program will increase the number of PET and HDPE bottles, which have the most stable markets, collected by a community. In addition, if the markets are good, other materials (3-7s) can potentially be marketed for recycling. APB programs also reduce contamination by non-bottle plastic containers, which can increase costs and create processing inefficiencies. Furthermore, an APB policy ensures local government programs are complying with the new plastic bottle ban.

All Bottle Best Management Practices: