U.S. Beverage Industry Reaches One Million Recycling Carts Milestone

America’s beverage industry has announced a significant environmental achievement, marking the delivery of its one millionth recycling cart through the industry-led Every Bottle Back initiative. According to a press release by American Beverage, the milestone reflects the sector’s broader efforts to strengthen the U.S. recycling system and increase the collection of 100% recyclable plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Launched in 2019, Every Bottle Back is a collaborative effort among major beverage producers, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper, in partnership with The Recycling Partnership and Closed Loop Partners. The initiative aims to ensure that recyclable beverage containers are effectively collected and reused, contributing to a more circular economy.

According to official data released by American Beverage, the program has so far:

Distributed 1 million curbside recycling carts to households across the United States;

Invested $30 million into recycling infrastructure upgrades and public education across 58 communities, reaching over 15.3 million residents;

Prevented an estimated 713 million pounds of PET plastic from ending up in landfills or the environment over the next ten years;

Increased projected aluminum recycling by 45 million pounds within the same timeframe.

The one-millionth cart was delivered in Massachusetts, benefiting the towns of South Hadley, Longmeadow, and Arlington. A combined investment of $471,200 is expected to enhance local recycling infrastructure and broaden access to curbside recycling services. To date, more than $1 million has been invested in the state through this initiative, according to American Beverage.

Kevin Keane, President and CEO of American Beverage, emphasized the importance of industry collaboration: “Our one millionth cart, made possible by the support of our dedicated partners, shows how we can help make communities more sustainable and vibrant for generations to come.”

Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, also commented, stating, “Strong systems don’t happen by accident. They are built through smart investments and real partnership. This milestone is proof that when industry steps up and communities are equipped with the right tools and outreach, we capture more high-value materials and keep them in the supply chain.”

Ron Gonen, founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, added that this progress demonstrates what is possible when industries fund “on-the-ground solutions.” He said, “One million carts delivered means access to recycling for millions of households, and millions of dollars’ worth of packaging materials diverted from landfills – and kept within supply chains. We are proud to work with our partners to catalyze capital toward key infrastructure and accelerate the transition to a resilient circular economy.”

According to the initiative’s organizers, the ultimate goal is to create a durable, measurable, and scalable model for modern recycling infrastructure that benefits both communities and the environment.

Source: American Beverage