Abstract
Plastics are one of the most widely used materials today. They are found in everything from
packaging, to textiles, to construction, electronics, and more. New applications continually are
emerging, and at some point this material must be disposed of and/or recycled. While there are
instances when the recycling of plastics is profitable, there also are cases where the cost to
collect, separate, clean and reuse plastic products outweighs, sometimes far outweighs, the economic
and environmental benefits of doing so. Nonetheless, recycling is always a consideration.
This BCC study describes existing markets for postconsumer recycled plastics, and identifies and
characterizes concentrations of waste materials containing plastics that are potential sources for
further recycling.
Some plastic products may be cost-effectively recycled. Several others are potentially viable, but
face issues of economies of scale, collection infrastructure, and especially end-use markets that
will make their recovery worthwhile. Some types of recycled plastics are experiencing growing demand
due to development of new markets, such as wood/fiber plastic composite lumber. Other segments of
the waste stream are becoming difficult to dispose of, mainly because of concerns over release of
undesirable substances into the environment. Diversion from landfills of such materials presents
opportunities for plastics recycling.
SCOPE OF STUDY
The report contains:
- An overview of the manufacture of plastics, the major types of plastics used and how they are
disposed of
- An overview of the removal of plastics products from the waste stream for the purpose of
physical recycling
- Analysis of existing markets by material source and by resin, with forecasts to 2009
- Analysis of markets for products made with recycled plastics, also with forecasts to 2009
- An overview of government regulations in the U.S. as well as international attitudes, laws and
technologies of interest
- Profiles of relevant organizations and companies.
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