Myth:
Most plastic packaging is recycled today.

Fact:
In 2007, of the total 30.7 millions of tons of plastic generated in the US municipal solid waste (MSW), only 6.8 percent was recovered (recycled).  

Source: Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2007, US Environmental Protection Agency 2008

Myth:
Containers and packaging in the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream is decreasing.

Fact:
“Containers and packaging made up the largest portion of MSW generated in 2007: 31 percent or 78 million tons.”

Source: Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2007, US Environmental Protection Agency 2008

Myth:
The rate of plastic bottles being recycled is higher than the amount being sold.

Fact:
The number of plastic bottles that are not recycled, in other words wasted, is growing alongside the number being sold.

Source: Container Recycling Institute, http://www.container-recycling.org/facts/plastic/data/saleswaste.htm