U.S. Post-Consumer Plastic Recycling Exceeds 5.1 Billion Pounds in 2024, Industry Study Shows

The United States recovered at least 5.1 billion pounds of post-consumer plastic for recycling in 2024, according to the latest U.S. Post-Consumer Plastic Recycling Study released by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in partnership with the U.S. Plastics Pact. The total represents an increase of 114.9 million pounds compared with the previous reporting period in 2022.

The biennial study, published through the 2024 U.S. Post-Consumer Plastic Recycling Data Dashboard, is based on surveys conducted by Stina Inc. and the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR). APR said the report provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of post-consumer plastic recovered for recycling in the United States, drawing on operational data from recycling facilities nationwide.

Recovery trends varied across material categories. Plastic film recorded the largest increase, with recovered volumes rising by 206.8 million pounds to 1.32 billion pounds. In contrast, bottles declined by 89.3 million pounds to 2.69 billion pounds, while non-bottle rigid plastics fell by 7.5 million pounds to 1.10 billion pounds. Recovery volumes for other plastic categories showed mixed results.

The findings indicate that the U.S. recycling industry continues to expand overall recovery despite challenging market conditions. However, APR said sustained growth will depend on stronger demand for recycled plastics and policies that encourage investment across the recycling value chain.

“The industry has proven it can recover more than five billion pounds of post-consumer plastic, but holding steady isn’t the goal,” said Steve Alexander, President and CEO of the Association of Plastic Recyclers. He said low-cost virgin resin continues to compete with recycled materials, making policy support essential to stimulate long-term market growth and expand domestic recycling capacity.

The report also reflects difficult trading conditions during 2024. Survey respondents cited elevated bale prices, weak demand for post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin and persistently low virgin resin prices as factors that compressed profit margins and limited investment in additional processing capacity. APR noted that the survey reflects market conditions before several PET recycling plant closures that occurred in 2025 and 2026.

Domestic processing remained a key feature of the market. Nearly 94% of the plastic recovered for recycling, equivalent to 4.81 billion pounds, was processed by reclaimers in North America, including facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. U.S. reclaimers alone handled 4.35 billion pounds, highlighting the scale of existing domestic recycling infrastructure across more than 21 states.

Crystal Bayliss, Executive Director of the U.S. Plastics Pact, said the findings demonstrate the importance of collaboration across the recycling value chain.

“The findings reinforce that a stronger recycling system depends on every part of the value chain working together,” Bayliss said. She added that improving packaging design, expanding collection systems and increasing demand for recycled materials will be important to achieving broader circularity goals.

The report notes that the United States still lacks mandatory nationwide reporting for plastic recycling, preventing the calculation of a consistent national recycling rate. At the same time, the study points to opportunities to strengthen the system through continued investment in collection and processing infrastructure, greater demand for recycled materials and supportive public policy.

APR highlighted that seven U.S. states have now enacted packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation. As these programs are implemented, they are expected to improve reporting on packaging flows and provide more comprehensive data to guide future investment and recycling policy.

Source: APR

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The latest U.S. recycling data shows steady growth in post-consumer plastic recovery, while underscoring the need for stronger end-market demand and policy support to expand domestic recycling capacity.