Plastics Recycling Industry Warns of Major Collection and Processing Shortfalls

Date: November 9, 2026

Source: News Room

Industry representatives at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference identified major challenges facing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) recycling. A Plastics Industry Association analysis indicated that the United States would need to collect and process approximately three times its current volume of polypropylene to meet a 25% post-consumer recycled-content goal. Participants emphasized the need to expand collection programs, improve sorting technology, and develop stronger markets for recovered plastics. The discussion also highlighted ongoing efforts to recover more polypropylene packaging from residential and commercial waste streams.

The findings point to a potentially substantial investment requirement for material recovery facilities and plastics reclaimers. Better optical sorting systems, improved bale quality, and expanded collection programs could increase the quantity of recyclable plastics recovered from existing waste streams. However, processing capacity alone will not resolve the problem unless manufacturers create reliable demand for recycled resin. The gap between current recovery and potential recycled-content requirements may create opportunities for integrated waste companies, specialized plastics recyclers, and equipment manufacturers, while also increasing pressure on municipal recycling systems to improve performance.

Sign up to receive our free Weekly News Bulletin