The American recycling rate for PET plastic bottled water containers now stands at 31 percent for 2009, according to new data from two new studies produced by the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) for the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).

"Recycling rates for bottled water containers had a modest but positive increase in 2009; steady as we go," said Tom Lauria, vice president of communications at IBWA in a prepared statement.

"We're glad to see a significant, 37 percent jump in the use of RPET, both in bottled water products and PET bottles in general. The doubling of the recycling rates for bottled water containers over the past five years is encouraging but also a reminder that more needs to be done to expand recycling efforts and collection methods across the country. It's clear that bottled water recycling rates are consistently heading in the right direction year after year, while delivering the convenience, safety and refreshing hydration that made bottled water one of the most popular packaged beverages," said Lauria.

(Source: Recycling Rate For Plastic Bottled Water Increases To 31 Percent Nationwide [Vending Market Watch])