American Beverage Expands Recycling Investments Through Every Bottle Back Initiative

The American Beverage Association said it is continuing to invest in recycling infrastructure and community programs through its Every Bottle Back® initiative, with a focus on improving collection systems and reducing plastic waste across the United States.

The industry-backed program, launched in partnership with municipalities and environmental organizations, has committed nearly $100 million to modernize recycling systems. To date, about $34 million has been deployed across nearly 70 projects aimed at expanding access to recycling and improving material recovery rates.

In 2026, new projects are targeting communities with limited or underperforming recycling infrastructure. In Providence, Rhode Island, the initiative is supporting the distribution of 55,000 recycling carts alongside education programs to improve participation and reduce contamination. In Fairfax, Virginia, curbside recycling access is being expanded for more than 24,000 residents through the rollout of larger collection carts. In Modesto, California, new recycling bins are being installed across 350 apartment complexes, reaching roughly 18,500 households.

The investments are designed to increase the collection of PET plastic and aluminum, materials widely used in beverage packaging and intended to be fully recyclable. The program estimates that upgrades made to date will enable the recovery of hundreds of millions of pounds of additional material over the next decade.

Kevin Keane, president and chief executive of the American Beverage Association, said the initiative reflects a coordinated approach between industry, government and local stakeholders to improve recycling outcomes. He noted that infrastructure upgrades and public education are both required to increase collection rates and reduce waste leakage.

The push comes as U.S. recycling systems face uneven performance across regions, with access and participation varying widely. Industry groups have increasingly focused on localized investments to address gaps in infrastructure, particularly in multi-family housing and urban areas where collection rates tend to lag.

Every Bottle Back is part of broader efforts by beverage producers to increase recycled content in packaging and reduce reliance on virgin plastic, as regulatory and consumer pressure on packaging sustainability continues to grow.

Source: American Beverage

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Beverage producers are scaling localized recycling investments, targeting infrastructure gaps to improve collection rates and secure recycled material supply.