Unlock the Power of Actionable Recycling Data

The National Recycling Database collects data on community recycling programs from multiple sources, including direct input from community managers, automated research, manual research, and input from state organizations. Data is periodically subject to inspection and review for accuracy. (Review full FAQ for more detail) 

Access refers to a household’s ability to recycle at home, either through curbside pickup or on-site recycling bins, regardless of the specific types of material accepted. Once a local recycling program establishes access to recycling for its residents, it creates an acceptance list for specific packaging formats. Acceptance, then, is defined as whether the community takes the item in their primary recycling program. 

To understand how to improve and expand the residential recycling system, it is essential to first understand the types of items that it is designed to handle. By publishing this data, we are seeking to decrease complexity, bring clarity, and increase investments where system gaps exist and need to be addressed. 

Acceptance is one pillar in assessing recyclability, but it is not the sole determinant. A comprehensive assessment of an item’s recyclability includes factors that address material health, acceptance, MRF compatibility, reprocessor compatibility, and market demand. Ideally, acceptance rates should reflect the compatibility of an item with the downstream recycling system.

Recyclability should be assessed using one of several available comprehensive frameworks. These frameworks vary in their definitions, thresholds, and boundaries, but they share a common approach in accounting for the multiple junctures of our recycling system. Two prominent frameworks are the How2Recycle Guide to Recyclability and the Residential Recyclability Framework. Recyclability definitions may also increasingly differ by state under emerging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.

If a community’s primary recycling service includes an opt-in or subscription-based curbside recycling program by public or private service providers, it is included in the calculation of the acceptance rate.

If a community’s primary recycling service is at a publicly accessible drop-off site that is advertised by the local government, it is included in the calculation of the acceptance rate. Specialty drop-off programs, including take- back and store drop-off programs, are not included in the Acceptance Data. 

The Recycling Categories are the core data element of the Database. Recycling Categories are subcategories of Material Guideline Categories commonly acknowledged in community acceptance lists that include both packaging and products. The Recycling Categories need to be detailed enough so that specific packages can be tied to a single Recycling Category and the category’s acceptance in a local program can be determined. 

Each Recycling Category is mentioned by communities that represent at least 10% of U.S. occupied households. The specific category or example packages from the category are included in this analysis. The category can be mentioned as either accepted or prohibited by the community. 

Changes to acceptance rates may affect How2Recycle recyclability assessments and assigned labels for on-pack usage. How2Recycle recyclability assessment decisions will be based on acceptance rate trends over time to improve stability and accuracy. Each material format presents its own unique challenges and considerations, and adjustments may be made on a case-by-case basis. In the event of any potential changes, How2Recycle members will be notified in advance and given a sufficient grace period to make any necessary updates to their labels to comply with the new standards.