Recycling plastic bottles is often viewed as a straightforward way to protect the environment and even earn a little extra money. But a common question many people ask is: how many plastic bottles do you really need to collect to make $100? The answer depends on several factors, including your location, the type of plastic, and the availability of local recycling programs.
1. How Plastic Bottles Are Valued in Recycling
Plastic bottles are typically made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is widely recyclable. The value of each bottle in a recycling program is usually measured either:
By weight (per pound or per kilogram), or
By deposit refund (bottle deposit return systems in some countries)
For example:
In the United States, the average scrap value of PET bottles is around $0.05 to $0.10 per pound.
In states with Container Deposit Laws (like California, Michigan, or New York), consumers can get $0.05 to $0.10 per bottle when returned.
2. Estimating Bottles Needed to Reach $100
Let's break it down:
By weight:
A standard 16–20 oz (500ml–600ml) PET bottle weighs about 9–12 grams (0.3–0.4 ounces).
One pound equals about 35–40 bottles.
If recyclers pay $0.08 per pound, you would need around 12,500 bottles to make $100.
By deposit refund:
In deposit states where each bottle is worth $0.05:
You need 2,000 bottles to make $100.
If the deposit is $0.10 per bottle (like in Michigan):
You only need 1,000 bottles to reach $100.
3. Why the Numbers Vary
The wide difference in bottle counts comes from:
Local recycling policies – Some places have no deposit system at all.
Market demand for recycled PET – Prices for scrap plastic fluctuate based on global oil and raw material prices.
Bottle size and weight – Larger, heavier bottles can bring in slightly more by weight.
4. Environmental Impact Beyond the Money
While making $100 from recycling bottles requires a significant amount of collection effort, the real benefit is environmental. Every PET bottle recycled:
Saves energy compared to making new plastic,
Reduces landfill waste,
Lowers carbon emissions.
For many individuals, recycling bottles is less about direct income and more about contributing to sustainability.