• June 12, 2012
• By Shawn Wright

Postconsumer plastic packaging recycled across Canada increased 15% from 2009 to 2010, according to a recent report.

The report, released by the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) and prepared by Moore Recycling Associates, showed that at least 478.4 million pounds of plastics was collected in 2010, compared to 414.5 million pounds in 2009.

Most of the material was plastic bottles; the remainder was nonbottle rigid plastic or film plastic.

"We are elated that around 70% of the plastic packaging collected was recycled in Canada," Carol Hochu, president and CEO of the CPIA, said in a statement. "This amounts to more than 149 million kilograms [328.5 million pounds]. We are building a recycling industry in Canada, reusing valuable plastic materials and creating jobs to grow the economy."

In addition, there was more than a 50% increase in plastic film and bags collected for recycling from commercial businesses. And of the total film and bags recovered, a third came from consumer curbside recycling programs, the report said.

More material collected for recycling as well as more companies providing recycling information is being credited for the boost, the report said.

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