About Us

This website is a project of The Container Recycling Institute (CRI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1991.

Mission Statement

CRI’s mission is to make North America a global model for the collection and quality recycling of packaging materials. We do this by:

Producing authoritative research and reporting and education on policies and practices that empower communities to reduce waste (and related emissions) and increase recovery, reuse, and high-end/closed loop recycling of beverage containers, packaging and printed paper.
Creating and maintaining a database of information on container and packaging generation, disposal, recovery and recycling in the United States and abroad.
Studying container and packaging reuse and recycling options and legislation, including deposit systems, and their environmental and economic impacts. These include state, national and international programs and policies.
Educating on recycling options for local, state and national government agencies and elected officials, for citizen groups, the print and broadcast media, publications and industry groups. Providing information, consultation, technical assistance and tools to local citizens, media, community groups and public and elected officials considering a deposit system to recycle or reuse containers and packaging.
Creating and sponsoring national networks for mutual progress (for customers and stakeholders).

Vision Statement

CRI is the model organization instrumental in bringing about a rapid increase in recycling for a world where no material is wasted, and the environment is protected. We succeed because companies and people collaborate to create a strong, sustainable domestic economy.