Q&As

The Beverage Industry & Recycling

Are bottles and aluminum cans primary sources of today’s litter?

Actually, beverage containers are America’s most recycled consumer packaging. In fact, beverage containers account for only five percent of the U.S. solid waste stream.

The beverage industry is committed to recycling efforts. We have been leaders in recycling for years. Even though our products are among the most recycled packaging, we are always looking for ways to do more. Our Recycle It Now program demonstrates this commitment.

What is the best method for recycling bottles and cans?

Comprehensive recycling programs are the simplest and most effective way for consumers to recycle. Consumers participate through community curbside recycling programs to recycle all applicable materials in their home and can either place materials at their curb to be picked up, or deliver them to a designated drop-off area. The process is voluntary, easy and effective.

What are forced deposits?

Forced deposits are imposed on selected beverage containers in eleven states to encourage recycling. These programs are quite burdensome to the consumer and not as effective as comprehensive recycling programs. They are implemented differently depending on the state, but entail adding an additional deposit fee to certain container(s) at the store, which can only be collected by consumers if the container is returned to the retail location, or other designated location. These laws also are complicated and expensive for retailers to implement, which can oftentimes be difficult on small businesses.

Why is comprehensive recycling better than forced deposits?

Comprehensive recycling is much more effective because it is far more convenient for consumers, allowing them to recycle a broader range of materials. Additionally, it is much less expensive to implement. By providing a single place to recycle all materials, curbside programs are simple to use and thus increase the total amount of recycled material. Mandatory deposits are narrowly focused, expensive and provide fewer environmental benefits.

How are beverage companies promoting recycling?

In 2003, the nation’s leading beverage manufacturers joined together to launch an education and outreach program to promote recycling of beverage containers, and increase recycling rates of all recyclable materials. The Recycle It Now program consisted of radio advertising in select markets and eye-catching recycle bins in high traffic areas throughout those regions. Funded by ABA, the program pilots in two test markets showed 25 percent increases in recycling at the community level following the marketing campaign, and has been successful in dozens of communities.

What beverage containers are recyclable?

All of them. Beverage containers are America’s most recycled consumer packaging. The aluminum beverage can is the most recycled consumer product package on the market today -- currently, more than half of all aluminum beverage containers are recycled. Aluminum cans also are the most valuable commodity in the waste stream, so revenue from the sale of collected cans helps support recycling programs all over the country. PET (plastic) beverage containers also are widely recycled and very valuable for communities and recyclers. Glass beverage containers can be recycled over and over again, and are in great demand in the areas around glass processing plants in the US.

What other products can recycled beverage containers be made into?

Recycled beverage containers can become many things. The scrap from aluminum cans is typically used to make new cans, but plastics may return as automobile parts, toys or carpets to name a few. Glass bottles may return to bottle use or may be used to make other products such as fiberglass or tiles.

How can I recycle my bottles and cans?

The most important thing you can do is to save your bottles and cans at home and use your local recycling program. Two-thirds of all beverage packaging is consumed at home, so your involvement with your community program is the best first step. You can contact your local city or town for information about how recyclables are collected.

Having a recycling program for bottles and cans at work is another important step. For more information about recycling programs and opportunities, check out the beverage industry’s Recycle It Now program and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Recycle City.