Ionic liquid-coordinated ferrous acetate complex immobilized on bentonite ([Bmim-Fe] [(OAc)(3)]/bentonite) was prepared by impregnation of [Bmim-Fe] [(OAc)(3)] on bentonite. The prepared catalyst was characterized using FTIR, XRD and total carbon (TC). The catalyst showed a high catalytic activity in the glycolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) under mild condition. Maximum activity was observed with a PET conversion of 100% and bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET) yield of 44% under the optimum conditions of catalyst (1.0 g), ethylene glycol (20 g) and PET (3.0 g) at 190 degrees C for 3 h. The activation energy of PET glycolysis using the prepared catalyst was calculated and found to be 51.6 kJ/mol.