Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate has helped shrink the size of the waste stream.
Recycled Content:
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Approved by FDA, use in bottles is increasing.
Composted:
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PET does not compost.
Incinerated or Landfilled:
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1.39 million tons or 0.83% of discarded MSW by weight.*
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Highly combustible, with a per-pound Btu value of 10,933, twice that of MSW.
Landfill Volume:
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2.76 million cubic yards or 0.7% of landfilled MSW were soft drink bottles in 1997.
Density:
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Landfilled bottles weigh 355 pounds per cubic yard (lbs./cu. yd.).
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Whole bottles have a density of 30-40 lbs./cu. yd.
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Baled bottles have a density of 400-500 lbs./cu. yd.
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Granulated bottles have a density of 700-750 lbs./cu. yd.
Source Reduction:
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The 2-liter soft drink bottle weighs 48 grams and is 20 grams, or 29%, lighter than 20 years ago.
Recycling Markets:
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The fiber market — which uses recycled PET bottles for carpet, clothing and other products — and exports are the primary markets for recycled PET.
End-Market Specifications:
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ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular 2007: Plastic Standard P-100 covers PET bottles.
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Contamination is limited to 2%.
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Do not store outside for more than six months unless covered with UV resistant materials.
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PVC is a major contaminant because its specific gravity almost equals PET's.
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