Recycling PR BS by APC "Do Your Part...Please Recycle Plastic Bottles" 

Press Release 2jul01

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - For the third consecutive year, a partnership of public agencies and private industry groups, led by the American Plastics Council (APC) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) are unveiling an eight-week statewide public education campaign targeting Californians. A press conference to officially kick-off the program is being held today at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacramento Zoo. The goal of the program is to motivate consumers to recycle, rather than dispose of their plastic bottles. This summer all 480 Albertson's stores throughout California will display colorful in-store advertising and educational materials reminding consumers to "Do Your Part...Please Recycle Plastic Bottles!" The education effort is unique because it's the first time a recycling program of this magnitude has been designed to reach consumers in California right at the point-of-sale. Albertson's will also include the recycling reminder in its coupon book and weekly mailer reaching most households throughout the state multiple times. Television and radio public service announcements will further reinforce the recycling message and the Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles Zoos will offer admission discounts and host special recycling events to help promote the campaign.

In addition to APC and the CIWMB, Albertson's, Inc., the California Beer and Beverage Distributors, the California/Nevada Soft Drink Association, the Dairy Institute of California, and the San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles Zoos are supporting the campaign.

While most Californians have become accustomed to recycling their soft drink bottles and milk jugs, many consumers choose to dispose of plastic bottles holding shampoo, mouthwash, detergent, and cleaning products.

"We want to remind consumers that many of the plastic bottles they use in their bathrooms, pantries, and laundry rooms can be recycled right along with their milk and soda bottles," said Tim Shestek, manager of state and local public affairs for the American Plastics Council.

Though the volume of plastic material recycled in California continues to grow each year, production of new plastic bottles continues to outpace recycling. However, market demand for recovered plastic material, used for fiber, clothing, carpet, lumber, playground equipment and other products far exceeds the available supply. CIWMB member Steve Jones added, "this education campaign can help increase the available supply of recovered plastic material and in turn, help develop sustainable markets for products containing recycled plastics. Not only should consumers recycle, they should also buy recycled. By purchasing products that contain recycled material we are closing the loop."

For three consecutive years, APC and the CIWMB have sponsored a plastic bottle recycling education program in California. Last year's effort in northern California successfully increased plastic bottle collection by an average of 20 percent in select communities.

APC is a national trade association representing 23 of the nation's largest resin producers, including monomer and polymer production and distribution. Founded in 1988, APC works to make plastics a preferred material by demonstrating they are a responsible choice in a more environmentally conscious world. For more information on APC and plastics in the environment, visit www.plasticsresource.com.

Recycling may not be available to every area and household. Contact your local recycling community program for further details.