How Recycling Works

Why Recycling Is Important

The Zero Waste Hierarchy

The Plastic Recycling Process

Recycling in Action

Plastics Recycling Glossary

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

How Recycling Works

Recycling keeps billions of pounds of plastic out of oceans and landfills every year. Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.
APR Design Hub

APR Design® Guide

APR Global Catalog

APR Design® Recognition

APR Design® Recognition Directory

Testing Protocols & Labs

APR Design® Training

Report a Problem Container

APR PCR Certification

APR Design® Guide

APR Design® Guide Overview
New to the APR Design® Guide or need a refresher? Understand why and how to use this essential tool and find helpful companion resources such as APR Testing Protocols.

PET Rigid Guidance
Commonly blown into a bottle or formed into a sheet, PET is known for its clarity and natural CO₂ barrier properties.

HDPE Rigid (Colored) Guidance
Easily processed into a bottle, canister, pail, tub, squeeze tube, or closure, HDPE is known for its toughness, natural UV barrier properties, and chemical resistance.

HDPE Rigid (Natural) Guidance
In its natural state, HDPE appears a milky white color. Natural HDPE is separated from colored HDPE using NIR color sortation technology.

PP Rigid Guidance
PP is versatile and easily injection molded, blow molded or thermoformed into a bottle, canister, pail, squeeze tube, tray, tub, or closure.

PE Flexible Guidance
PE flexible packaging structures include bags, pouches, envelopes, sachets, removable lidding/liners, and wraps, with films including PE of various densities.

APR Global Catalog

Country Pages
A consolidation of the most current plastic packaging recyclability guidelines for different countries and regions around the world (login required.)

Compare Countries and Regions by Resin
Compare recommendations for designing plastic packaging from one country or region to the next around the globe (login required.)

APR Design® Recognition

Preferred Design Recognition
Formerly Meets Preferred Guidance, this path recognizes components or complete packages that are listed as Preferred in the APR Design® Guide.

Critical Guidance Recognition
If your component design falls outside of the Preferred category, follow this path if you can achieve lab-scale testing and review as specified in the APR Design® Guide.

Responsible Innovation Recognition
If your component cannot be evaluated by lab-scale testing, this path allows alternate testing and review as specified by the APR Design® Guide.

APR Recycling Leadership Awards
The inaugural APR Recycling Leadership Awards celebrate outstanding achievements to improve plastics recyclability.

APR Design Hub

In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

Testing Protocols & Labs

APR Testing Protocols
APR provides a library of peer-reviewed, technically rigorous test protocols that are used to evaluate and determine package design features with an unknown impact on recyclability.

APR Recommended Testing Facilities Directory
Find consultants and laboratories who have the necessary equipment and expertise to conduct the APR Testing Protocols.

Sorting Potential Test Protocols
APR’s Testing Protocol Library includes the Sorting Potential Test Methods, an essential set of protocols that assess how package design affects sortation.

APR Design® Training

Full Day Training
Our most popular session, an engaging and insightful customized training designed to meet the needs of your team.

Express Training
Choose an on-site or virtual training that features a customized, albeit abbreviated, opportunity for your team to get expert advice on packaging design.

Training & Tours
Get the best of both worlds—detailed classroom learning combined with live recycling facility tours—alongside other brands and packaging designers.

APR Design Hub

In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.

APR Design Hub

In a circular economy, plastic packaging and products are designed to be compatible with the recycling system, reduce contamination, and enhance the stream of postconsumer resin (PCR) – which is then put back into new products. We call it Circular By Design™, and it all starts here.
Tools & Resources

APR Tools

Informational Resources

Policy Hub

Recycler Resources

APR Design® Guide

APR PCR Certification

APR Design® Recognition

APR Tools

APR Design® Guide
Ensure your packaging is designed for recyclability with the globally recognized APR Design® Guide.

APR Global Catalog
Review the latest plastic packaging recyclability guidelines from around the world.

APR Design® Recognition
Get recognized for your recyclable packaging or review the list of APR-recognized solutions.

APR Design® Training
Let APR demystify the recycling process and help your teams design better packaging.

APR PCR Certification
Get your PCR certified to build credibility and prepare for new requirements, or review the APR list of certified PCR vendors.

Buyers & Sellers Directory
Looking to buy or sell recycled plastics commodities? Explore the variety of recycled plastic commodities and resins that APR members purchase and sell.

Model Bale Specifications
Discover APR Model Bale Specifications for industry-standard guidelines that enhance bale quality, communication, and market acceptance in recycling.

APR Demand Champions
Learn about our program to encourage the use of recycled plastic over virgin resin.

Informational Resources

How Recycling Works
Learn how the recycling process works within a larger system of solutions to tackle plastic waste, protect the environment, strengthen the economy, and build a more sustainable world.

Recyclability Definition & Categories
Get the details on what it takes for plastic to be considered recyclable.

Academic Library
Explore a compilation of research papers and resources from academic institutions on the topic of plastics recycling.

APR Blog
Read about the latest issues, trends, announcements, and more in the world of plastics recycling.

APR Webinars
Join our free events to boost your knowledge, learn from leaders and get the scoop on recycling tools and resources.

APR Podcast
Host Kara Pochiro interviews recycling and packaging experts to explore new ideas, trends, and opportunities for recycling.

Policy Hub
Learn how and why APR engages in policy, as well as our policy priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions
Explore commonly sought information about APR programs and membership.

Policy Hub

Policy Updates for Members
Stay informed about the most recent activity in recycling policy across the states and around the world (login required.)

Policy Priorities
The most critical policies to accelerate the growth of plastics recycling.

Position Statements
Read APR’s policy and position statements on a variety of topics, representing the best interests of the plastics recycling industry.

Advocacy Resources
Explore the latest educational materials and engage with the latest policy developments in the plastics recycling industry.

Recycler Resources

Report a Problem Container
Notify APR of problem containers to reduce contamination in the plastic recycling stream.

Model Bale Specifications
Discover APR Model Bale Specifications for industry-standard guidelines that enhance bale quality, communication, and market acceptance in recycling.

Buyers & Sellers Directory
Looking to buy recycled commodities or resins, or to list the recycled materials that you sell? Explore the directory or request a listing update or addition.

Get APR PCR Certification
Get your PCR certified to build credibility and prepare for new requirements, or review the APR list of certified PCR vendors.

Tools & Resources

Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

Tools & Resources

Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.

Tools & Resources

Explore APR’s plastics recycling resources including the APR Design® guidance, recycling facts, policy updates, and more.
About APR

Meet the Team

Our Impact

Become A Member

Member Hub

APR Committee Work

Upcoming Events

In the News

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

Member Hub

Utilizing Your Member Benefits
See where you can find all of APR’s members-only content and opportunities.

Navigating Your APR Membership
Learn how to access and manage your membership in the APR Member Hub.

Manage My Membership
View and update your APR member profile (member login required).

Member Directory
Find and connect with APR members (member login required).

Member Meetings
See upcoming gatherings of APR members across the value chain.

APR Committee Work

Films Technical Committee
Works to boost film recovery and markets, spreading the message that plastic film is recyclable regardless of the specific collection scheme.

Olefins Technical Committee
Develops and maintains design guidance, test protocols, APR Design® Recognition criteria, and model bale specifications for rigid olefin packaging.

PET Technical Committee
Responsible for rigid PET packaging APR Design® Guidance, test methods, and educational materials.

Communications and Public Affairs Committee
Supports APR as The Voice of Plastics Recycling® with the ultimate goal of increasing quality supply and demand through communication, education, and policy.

Market Development Committee
Promotes understanding of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic resin markets and develops targeted programs to support them.

About APR

Founded over 30 years ago by mechanical recyclers, APR is an international non-profit and the only North American organization focused exclusively on improving recycling for plastics.

In the News

News Articles

Press Releases

Industry group starts ‘Recycling in Action’ month

Published on March 19, 2025

In May, the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is hosting “Recycling in Action Month,” offering public tours of materials recovery facilities (MRFs) across over 20 U.S. cities. The initiative aims to build trust in recycling by showcasing the process and connecting household recycling efforts to environmental and economic benefits. APR’s president, Steve Alexander, emphasized the importance of transparency, helping people understand the journey of recyclables beyond the curb. The effort also highlights the need for further investment in U.S. recycling infrastructure.

Read the full article from Plastics Recycling Upda te