The composition of recycling loads varies geographically as well as with the time of year. The amount of materials increases during the holidays and throughout the spring as more people are at home and entertaining more. Introduction of new types of packaging also has an effect on the composition of recyclables, for example the recent trial introductions of the plastic beer bottle for use instead of glass.

The following is an approximate composition (by weight) of recyclables and is based on data obtained during the pilot program in 1992. This composition has not varied much since then. However, the PETE plastic (#1) bottle is found in many other products today than in 1992 including ketchup and pickle jars, hard liquors and even clam shells for strawberries.

Newspaper: 50 percent

Cardboard: 9 percent

Junk mail: 8 percent

Chipboard/Paper board: (example: cereal box) 3 percent

Magazines: 1 percent

Milk cartons: 1 percent

Steel cans: 2 percent

Scrap metal: 2 percent

Aluminum cans: 1 percent

PETE plastic: (example: pop bottle) 2 percent

HDPE plastic: (example: clear milk bottle) 1 percent

HDPE plastic: (example: detergent bottle) 1 percent

Polystyrene: (example: foam) 1 percent

Glass-flint/clear: 4 percent

Glass-brown: 3 percent

Glass-green, etc.: 3 percent

Residue: (landfilled materials) 10 percent

Looking at the list, one can see that half of what we collect is just newspapers and over two thirds is paper related: magazines, chipboard, cardboard, junk mail, etc. Paper products are by far the largest component of the Phoenix Recycles program both in amount and revenue. In contrast, aluminum cans are a very small percentage in amount; however, they generate the greatest revenue per ton.

Consequently if consumers could buy everything in an alumuinum container, Phoenix Recycles would experience its greatest revenue stream. That, of course is not realistic, but if consumers purchase as many materials that are both recycalable and marketable (eg aluminum cans instead of glass), that would make Phoenix Recycles even more effective and efficient, and keep costs of solid waste services down.

For more information on consumer preference contact Solid Waste Customer Service at (602) 262-7251 or email to pwserve@phoenix.gov.