A new kind of collaboration in the U.S. that accepts all-plastic for recycling

Houston Recycling Collaboration

Traditionally, plastics that enter the recycling streams have been processed through mechanical methods. Although this has resulted in thousands of tons of plastics per year being recycled, it represents less than 10%* of plastics produced, with the rest going to landfill, incineration, or the environment.

Both advanced and mechanical recycling processes are vital to putting plastic on a recycling pathway. Mechanical recycling is efficient for clean, well-sorted plastics like water bottles and milk jugs made from one type of plastic material, while advanced recycling accepts and processes a wider range of plastics to be converted into brand-new materials.

Leveraging new technologies enables the acceptance, analysis, and processing of a wider diversity of plastic waste. Based on their chemical composition, the plastic waste  is sorted and custom compounded to meet  customer specifications for its highest and best use. Difficult-to-recycle plastics can now become building blocks for making new, virgin-equivalent products.

This all-plastic collection program powered by 10to90 is critical to accelerating a circular economy and one that will help us achieve our mission of increasing the recyclability of plastic  from 10% to 90% .

The first of its kind in the United States, this public-private partnership model can serve as a blueprint for other cities and communities nationwide. As a pioneer in the space, Cyclyx and its team of experts selected Houston because it is the fourth largest municipality in the country. ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell are two of the world’s largest chemical companies headquartered in the Houston area, with goals to expand their recycling capabilities.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the all-plastics collection program.

• Soda bottles
• Water bottles
• Food containers
• Clear cups
• Milk jugs
• Detergent bottles
• Shampoo bottles
• Clamshell packaging
• Plastic pipes
• Shower liners
• Squeeze bottles
• Plastic wrap
• Plastic bags
• Yogurt cups
• Ketchup bottles
• Medicine bottles
• Foam trays
• Cups
• Plates
• Plastic cutlery
• Baby bottles
• CDs
• Chip bags
• Food-service plastics
• Plastic packaging

• Hazardous materials:
  Chemicals, oil, fuel, etc.
• Bulk items/furniture:
  Sheds, storage bins, pools, etc.
• Rubber materials:
  Tires, tubes, water hoses, rubber gloves
• Medical/biohazard waste:
  Sharps, razors, IVs, syringes, etc.
• Electronic waste
• Extension cords
• Wiring/string lights