One curbside plastic grade sees price hike

The price of natural HDPE bales increased by 22% this month, whereas post-consumer PET bales have remained at a low level.

The national average price of natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from curbside collection programs is up 22 percent this month, now trading at an average 44.44 cents per pound, compared with 36.50 cents last month and 20.34 cents one year ago. The price of natural HDPE ran up late last year and early this year, eventually hitting nearly 60 cents per pound in January. 

The national average price of PET beverage bottles and jars remained steady this month. It is currently at 7.19 cents per pound, compared to 7.13 cents per pound this time last month. This compares to 13.91 cents per pound one year ago and a recent high of 17.00 cents per pound in July 2018.

The price of color HDPE is up slightly again this month, now trading at 3.83 cents per pound, compared to 3.71 cents this time last month and 10.08 cents last year.

The national average price of polypropylene (PP) is up slightly. It is now at 4.69 cents per pound, compared to 3.69 cents last month. PP traded at 12.38 cents per pound one year ago.

The national average price of Grade A and B film is lower this month. Grade A film is now at 6.81 cents per pound, down from 7.00 cents last month. Grade B Film is now at 3.56 cents per pound, compared to 3.81 cents last month. Grade C film remains at 1.38 cents per pound.

These prices are as reported on the Secondary Materials Pricing (SMP) Index. This pricing represents what is being paid for post-consumer recyclable materials in a sorted, baled format, picked up at most major recycling centers. 

For a free trial to SMP’s Online Post-Consumer Pricing Index, visit the Recycling Markets website. You can also contact Christina Boulanger-Bosley at [email protected] or 330-956-8911.