Abstract: A system (20) for separating the labels, base cups and caps from plastic bottles for subsequent recycling includes an endless belt (26) mounted for movement around a course. The bottles are attached to the endless belt (26) by means of carriers (32) for advancement between heaters (56, 80) to soften the adhesive securing the labels and base cups. The base cups are removed with a first pair of rotating brushes (68) while the labels are removed with a second pair of rotating brushes (86). The caps are removed with a rotating blade (96). In a second embodiment (110), the bottles are heated by immersion in a tank (112) of hot liquid (114).