Performance simulation and policy optimization of waste polyethylene terephthalate bottle recycling system in China

•Common points of PET bottle recycling system in developing countries was studied.•A system dynamics model was built to dynamically predict PET bottle flow of China.•Comprehensive performance model of PET recycling system was constructed.•Three policies scenario were developed to regulate the flow of PET bottles of China.•Policy recommendations for regulating PET bottle recycling were proposed.