The national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars dropped dramatically in March, now averaging 1.74 cents per pound, compared to 4.28 cents per pound this time last month. Some regional contracts are now trading in negative ranges. One year ago this grade was trading at an average 17.25 cents per pound.
The national average price of post-consumer natural HDPE from curbside collection programs moved upward again this month, from 59.50 cents per pound to the current 68.44 cents. The average price was 101.44 cents this time last year.
The national average price of color HDPE is also up marginally again this month, from 4.72 cents, to an average 5.38 cents per pound. This compares to 10.06 cents one year ago.
The national average price of post-consumer PP is up again this month, from 9.44 cents to 12.53 cents per pound. By comparison, PP was 18.53 cents one year ago.
The national average price of A-grade film is up, from 13.50 to 14.44 cents per pound. This grade traded at 19.06 cents one year ago. B-grade film is also up, from 5.25 to the current 5.94 cents per pound. C-grade film is still averaging -0.56 cents per pound.
The national average price for sorted, baled aluminum cans (UBCs) is up from 78.75 cents to 85.94 cents per pound. The average was 91.88 cents per pound this time last year.
Sorted, baled steel cans remain constant this month, at $171 per ton. Steel cans averaged $184 per ton one year ago.
Sorted residential papers (PS 56) remain constant in the $34 per ton range. This compares to $60 per ton one year ago. Mixed paper (PS 54) is still trading at an average $20-21 per ton. This compares to $42 per ton this time last year. Sorted office papers (PS 37) remain constant, trading at an average $113 per ton. This grade traded in the $131 per ton level this time last year.
The national average price for OCC (PS 11) is up an average $5 per ton, now trading in the $55-56 per ton range. OCC averaged $75-$80 per ton one year ago.
