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April 2, 2021

Study: CT 5th in recycling containers, packaging

Contributed Recycling equipment at Van Dyk Recycling Solutions in Norwalk.
By Zachary Vasile

Connecticut is near the top when it comes to compliance in recycling containers and packaging materials, a recent study found.

According to an analysis carried out by environmental consultancy firm Eunomia with the assistance of Ball Corp., Connecticut has the fifth-highest container and packaging recycling rate in the country, at 52%.

Like most other states in the Northeast, Connecticut benefits from a deposit return system, which absorbs a significant number of used plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans, as well as curbside recycling pickup, researchers said.

A breakdown by product shows Connecticut residents do better recycling certain materials than others.

The state recycles about 66% of glass bottles and jars and 61% of aluminum cans but only 33% of rigid plastics and 24% of steel cans.

Maine took the No.1 spot in Eunomia’s study, with an estimated container and packaging reclamation rate of 72%, followed by Vermont (62%), Massachusetts and Oregon (both 55%). Rounding out the top 10 behind Connecticut were New York (51%), Minnesota (49%), Michigan (48%), New Jersey (46%) and Iowa (44%).

According to the report, the state least likely to recycle containers and packaging products is West Virginia, where only 2% of such materials are ultimately reclaimed. South Carolina (8%), Tennessee (7%), Alaska (6%), and Louisiana (3%) filled out the bottom five.

According to Ball, only 25% of U.S. waste is recycled.

 

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