the present invention is a process for recycling colored polyester . more specifically , colored polyester for recycling is depolymerized by the addition of glycol to form the monomer bhet . the bhet is contacted with activated carbon to remove some colorant . the remaining colorant is extracted with water , alcohol , or glycol to produce white , purified bhet . the white , purified bhet is separated from the extraction solvent by filtering , decanting , or centrifuging , for example . the purified bhet monomer can be polymerized to polyethylene terephthalate meeting food contact specifications , using known polymerization processes .