A process for removing contaminants from PET components by mixing ethanediol with the PET feedstock at a temperature about the boiling point of ethanediol and for a time sufficient to convert the polyethylene terephthate components to polyethylene terephthate polymers which are soluble in the ethanediol and form bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate and produce a product mixture thereof containing insoluble materials. The soluble polyethylene terephthate polymers, bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate and ethanediol are recovered from the product mixture.