Welcome back to the Crazy About Packaging podcast! In the latest episode, Natalie, Mike, and Jonathan are joined by Kate Bailey, Chief Policy Officer at the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). The conversation dives deep into the challenges and realities of recycling in North America, busting myths and highlighting the role of recycling education and access in creating a true circular economy for plastics.
Sneak Peek for Season 2, Episode 3
You can listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website. Curious about what’s covered? Here’s a sneak peek.
Introducing Our Guest Host: Kate Bailey
Kate Bailey is the Chief Policy Officer at APR, where she leads efforts to develop and advocate for policies that improve plastic recycling in the U.S. and globally. With nearly 20 years of experience in the recycling industry, Kate has a hands-on understanding of how recycling systems work, from local operations to policy initiatives. At APR, she focuses on creating solutions to scale plastic recycling, ensuring that packaging design and recycling infrastructure align to support a more sustainable, circular economy. With her background in policy and hands-on recycling operations, Kate offers a well-rounded view of the industry, from curbside bins to state and federal policies.
Can I Recycle That? – Sorting the Facts from Fiction
In this episode’s “Can I Recycle That?” game, Natalie brings in a guacamole container to show just how tricky recycling can be. Our discussion quickly makes it clear that even if a container looks recyclable, factors like multi-layer packaging or non-recyclable labels can complicate the process.
Our hosts have trouble coming to a consensus on the guacamole container. While Mike and Jonathan both believe it’s likely recyclable, Kate isn’t so sure. And this, she says, is part of the problem. When consumers can’t tell by looking at a container whether or not it should be recycled, it’s likely to end up in the wrong place. “We need to think about recycling from the moment the package is designed,” she explains, highlighting the role of recycling education in improving consumer behavior and recycling outcomes. For example, a plastic lid on a container might be made from a material that isn’t recyclable in many areas, while the container itself might be fully recyclable.
So who was right about Natalie’s container? Listen to the episode to find out!
Busting the Myth that Recycling Doesn’t Work
Many people have grown frustrated with recycling, particularly when we hear staggering statistics that leave consumers feeling that their efforts are wasted and materials are only going to end up in landfills no matter what they do. But it’s important to keep in mind that this simply isn’t the case if we're recycling the right materials. When correctly recycled, common items like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cardboard are recaptured and reused. As Kate explains, "If you put the right recyclable plastic in your recycling bin, it gets recycled. Period."
What we really need is better participation in recycling programs and improved infrastructure across the U.S. Many communities still lack access to curbside recycling, especially in apartments and rural areas. By expanding access and providing recycling education to the public, we can make a big difference in recycling rates nationwide.
Addressing Low U.S. Recycling Rates
Recycling rates in the U.S. have plateaued, but the situation isn’t as dire as some numbers suggest. While it's often reported that only 9% of plastics are recycled, this statistic can be misleading. That number includes items like car parts and furniture, which aren’t meant for curbside recycling. Everyday packaging items like plastic bottles and tubs are actually recycled at higher rates. Still, more robust recycling education and access to recycling services are essential for increasing overall rates.
"We’re not doing a great job across the board," Kate admits. But with better access to recycling, especially in underserved areas like apartment complexes, we could see significant improvements. In many parts of the U.S., residents lack convenient access to recycling bins, which means recyclables don’t even make it to the proper facilities. Improving access is one of the most important steps we can take to boost recycling rates.
Why Policy is Key to Improving Recycling
Recycling isn't just about putting items in the bin — it requires strong policy to ensure systems work effectively. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are starting to gain traction in the U.S., shifting the cost of recycling from local governments to the companies that produce the packaging. By providing a reliable funding source, these laws help build the infrastructure needed to expand recycling programs.
More states are beginning to pass laws related to recycling, signifying a big shift in the U.S., and we can expect rates to rise in the next few years. These policies ensure that all communities, from large cities to small towns, have access to recycling and the resources to make it work.
Improving Packaging Design for Better Recycling
One of the most crucial factors in improving recycling is smarter packaging design. The APR Design Guide, a tool for packaging engineers, lays out the best practices for creating products that are easy to recycle. It’s not just about the materials — everything from labels to adhesives to the shape of a package can affect whether it can be processed efficiently.
Take plastic bottles, for example. Small design decisions, like the type of plastic used for a bottle cap, can make a big difference in recycling outcomes. Today, many bottle caps are designed to be recycled along with the bottle, but if the wrong material is used, it can contaminate the whole batch. “It’s like doing laundry — one red shirt can change the whole load,” Kate says.
The design guide is constantly evolving, pushing for better standards and encouraging innovation in packaging. With more companies adopting these guidelines, we can improve the recyclability of everyday products and reduce waste across the board.
Join the Conversation
To learn more about how recycling works and what steps you can take to make a difference, check out the APR website.
You can keep up with the C.A.P. Pack on LinkedIn, Instagram. and X. And be sure to subscribe to the Crazy About Packaging podcast on Spotify, Apple, or our website, so you can stay up to date on the latest conversations.
Stay crazy about packaging, and we’ll see you next month!
