Three metal organic framework catalysts (ZIF-8, ZIF-67, MOF-5) were prepared and used in the glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). All catalysts showed excellent catalytic activities, especially ZIF-8. The raw material ratio in ZIF-8 catalysts was optimized. The effects of reaction conditions on the conversion of PET and yield of bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) were examined. Graphical Abstract In the presence of ZIF-8, the PET pellets can be fully degraded within 1.5 h at 197 C-o, and the main product and by-products were proved to be BHET monomer and its dimers, respectively. [GRAPHICS] .