Connecticut is near the top when it comes to compliance in recycling containers and packaging materials, a recent study found.
According to an analysis carried out by environmental consultancy firm Eunomia with the assistance of Ball Corp., Connecticut has the fifth-highest container and packaging recycling rate in the country, at 52%.
Like most other states in the Northeast, Connecticut benefits from a deposit return system, which absorbs a significant number of used plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans, as well as curbside recycling pickup, researchers said.
A breakdown by product shows Connecticut residents do better recycling certain materials than others.
The state recycles about 66% of glass bottles and jars and 61% of aluminum cans but only 33% of rigid plastics and 24% of steel cans.
Maine took the No.1 spot in Eunomia’s study, with an estimated container and packaging reclamation rate of 72%, followed by Vermont (62%), Massachusetts and Oregon (both 55%). Rounding out the top 10 behind Connecticut were New York (51%), Minnesota (49%), Michigan (48%), New Jersey (46%) and Iowa (44%).
According to the report, the state least likely to recycle containers and packaging products is West Virginia, where only 2% of such materials are ultimately reclaimed. South Carolina (8%), Tennessee (7%), Alaska (6%), and Louisiana (3%) filled out the bottom five.
According to Ball, only 25% of U.S. waste is recycled.
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