Good news on the recycling front – Moore Recycling Associates Inc. has released a study that reveals a much larger portion of the U.S. population has ready access to recycle commonly used plastics than previously thought. The study, “Plastics Recycling Collection: National Reach Study,” found that approximately 94 percent of Americans have access to recycle plastic bottles and 40 percent of the population can also recycle other types of plastic containers, such as: yogurt cups, dairy tubs and lids.

Although the study surveyed nearly 2,500 communities across the United States, it found that within the 100 largest cities, the percentage of the population with access to recycle plastic containers in addition to bottles has nearly doubled since 2008.

The study did not look at recycling film plastics – a category that includes plastic bags and many product wraps – but it is well documented that these materials are collected separately at more than 12,000 locations across the country.

The study, which was sponsored by The American Chemistry Council, does not estimate how many Americans actually recycle.

Related: Recycling Pros and Cons