The national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars dropped again in September, now averaging 4.66 cents per pound, compared to 5.75 cents per pound this time last month. Regional contracts are yielding in the 3-7 cent range. One year ago this grade was trading at an average 18.34 cents per pound.
The national average price of post-consumer natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from curbside collection programs dropped to the current average 44.13 cents per pound from 47.89 last month. Surprisingly, one year ago the average price was also 44.13 cents.
The national average price of color HDPE also remained constant this month, at 2.66 cents, compared to 2.56 cents per pound. This compares to 9.31 cents one year ago.
The national average price of post-consumer PP dropped marginally this month, now at 5.56 cents per pound, compared to 5.81 cents last month. PP was 7.31 cents one year ago.
The national average price of grade A film remained unchanged at 18.31 cents. This grade traded at 18.25 cents one year ago. Grade B film dropped from 5.50 to 5.0 cents. Grade C film remains a nominal 0.38 cents per pound.
These prices are as reported on the Secondary Materials Pricing 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, recyclingmarkets.net. You can also contact Christina Boulanger-Bosley at [email protected] or call 330-956-8911.