PET is the clear, lightweight plastic used for beverage bottles and many food containers. It is one of the most recycled plastics in the U.S. Here’s a quick look at the latest numbers.
PET Recycling Today
- 29% of PET bottles in the U.S. were recycled in 2025. (Source: NAPCOR)
- 1.8 billion pounds of used PET bottles were collected for recycling in the U.S. in 2025. (Source: NAPCOR)
- 36% of PET bottles were collected for recycling across North America in 2025. (Source: NAPCOR)
- 226 million pounds of PET food containers, such as clamshells, trays and cups, were recycled in the U.S. and Canada in 2025, a record high. (Source: NAPCOR)
Bottle to Bottle
- 22.9% is the average amount of recycled PET in U.S. PET bottles, an all-time high. (Source: NAPCOR)
- 69% of the PET recycled in the U.S. and Canada was made into new PET bottles in 2025. (Source: NAPCOR)
Better for the Environment
- 75% less energy is used to make recycled PET than new PET. (Source: NAPCOR)
- 60% lower greenhouse gas emissions come from making recycled PET compared with new PET. (Source: NAPCOR)
- 43% less PET is used to package a gallon of bottled water than in 2007, thanks to lighter bottles. (Source: International Bottled Water Association)
PET Basics
- #1 is the resin identification code for PET. Look for it inside the recycling arrows on the bottom of the container.
- 1973 is the year the first PET bottle was patented.
- About 500°F is the approximate melting point of PET.