Lucrative Plastic Bales: Understanding Their Monetary Value

The price of plastic bales varies depending on the type of plastic and the region. In 2021, the national average price of Grade A film was 18.06 cents per pound, while Grade B film was 7.13 cents per pound and Grade C film was 0.88 cents per pound. The price of post-consumer PET bales has also been increasing, with the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars at 21.47 cents per pound. In some regions, prices are as high as 26 cents per pound. The price of natural HDPE scrap has also crossed the $1 threshold, with prices varying depending on the region and the colour of the HDPE.

The price of plastic bales varies by region

In July 2023, plastic scrap prices continued their descent as supply outpaced demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) recovered at material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the US. A reprocessor based in the Southeast said natural HDPE bales had been selling in the low 30-cents-per-pound range as of mid-July, which represented a decline of 50 cents per pound over a five-week period. Mixed-colour HDPE bales were selling for 8 cents per pound, down from nearly 20 cents per pound a few weeks earlier.

In June 2021, the national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars was 21.47 cents per pound, compared with 15.69 cents per pound the previous month. Some regions were trading as high as 26.00 cents per pound. California premium bales were trading in the range of 34 cents to 37 cents. The price for baled natural HDPE had now crossed the $1 threshold.

The national average price of Grade A film was 18.06 cents per pound, compared with 17.63 cents per pound the previous month and 7.00 cents one year ago. Grade B film was 7.13 cents, up from 6.56 cents per pound the previous month. Grade C film remained at 0.88 cents per pound.

The price of plastic bales varies by grade

The national average price of Grade A film was 18.06 cents, compared with 17.63 cents per pound the previous month and 7.00 cents one year ago. Grade B film was 7.13 cents, up from 6.56 cents per pound the previous month. Grade C film remained at 0.88 cents per pound.

In July 2023, plastic scrap prices continued their descent as supply outpaced demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Natural HDPE bales were selling in the low 30-cents-per-pound range as of mid-July, representing a decline of 50 cents per pound over a five-week period. Mixed-colour HDPE bales were selling for 8 cents per pound, down from nearly 20 cents per pound a few weeks earlier.

The price of plastic bales has increased over time

The national average price of colour high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was also up, trading at 51.88 cents per pound, compared with 38.44 cents the month before. The price of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bales rose 37% over the month before. The national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars was 21.47 cents per pound, compared with 15.69 cents the month before. California premium bales were trading in the range of 34 cents to 37 cents.

The national average price of Grade A film was up, now at 18.06 cents, compared with 17.63 cents per pound the month before and 7.00 cents a year before. Grade B film was now 7.13 cents, up from 6.56 cents per pound the month before.

However, in July 2023, plastic scrap prices continued their descent as supply outpaced demand for PET, HDPE and polypropylene (PP) recovered at material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the US. A reprocessor based in the Southeast said natural HDPE bales had been selling in the low 30-cents-per-pound range as of mid-July, which represented a decline of 50 cents per pound over a five-week period. Mixed-colour HDPE bales were selling for 8 cents per pound, down from nearly 20 cents per pound a few weeks before.

The price of plastic bales is affected by supply and demand

In 2023, plastic scrap prices continued their descent in July as supply outpaced demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) recovered at material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S. A reprocessor based in the Southeast said natural HDPE bales had been selling in the low 30-cents-per-pound range as of mid-July, which represented a decline of 50 cents per pound over a five-week period. Mixed-colour HDPE bales were selling for 8 cents per pound, down from nearly 20 cents per pound a few weeks prior.

The price of plastic bales is affected by the economy

In 2023, plastic scrap prices continued their descent in July as supply outpaced demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) recovered at material recovery facilities (MRFs) in the U.S. A reprocessor based in the Southeast said natural HDPE bales had been selling in the low 30-cents-per-pound range as of mid-July, which represented a decline of 50 cents per pound over a five-week period. Mixed-color HDPE bales were selling for 8 cents per pound, down from nearly 20 cents per pound just a few weeks earlier. This decline was attributed to a general economic slowdown.

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