Assessment of recycling systems of waste plastics focusing on containers and packaging

An overview of the recycling system of waste PET bottles and other waste plastics under the Container and Packaging Recycling Law is presented. Major issues of waste plastic recycling are reviewed, including the meaning of the term recycling itself, classification of recycling technologies, and their expected benefits. Methodological issues in applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to recycling system in general as well as more specific issues associated with the application to waste plastics recycling are reviewed. A few examples of recent case studies for PET bottles and other packaging plastic wastes are presented.