The national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars remained steadier this month, now averaging 4.50 cents per pound, compared to 4.66 cents per pound this time last month. Regional contracts are still yielding in the 3-7 cents range. One year ago this grade was trading at an average 17.59 cents per pound.
The national average price of post-consumer natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from curbside collection programs remain steady this month, at 44.63 cents per pound, compared to 44.13 cents per pound this time last month. The average price was 49.63 cents this time last year.
The national average price of color HDPE is up marginally this month, from 2.66 cents, to an average 3.25 cents per pound. This compares to 8.56 cents one year ago.
The national average price of PP post-consumer remains steady this month, at 5.56 cents per pound. By comparison, PP was 9.75 cents one year ago.
The national average price of Grade A Film is up marginally, from 18.31 cents to 18.75 cents per pound. This grade traded at 18.13 cents one year ago. Grade B Film is up from 5.0 cents to 7.0 cents per pound. Grade C Film is remains at 0.38 cents per pound.
The national average price for sorted, baled Aluminum Cans remains constant at 78.44 cents per pound. It was 78.75 cents per pound this time last year.
Sorted, baled Steel Cans also remain constant at $158 per ton. Steel cans averaged $160 per ton one year ago.
Sorted Residential Papers (PS 56) dropped $12 per ton from $52 to the current $40 per ton. This compares to $71 per ton one year ago. Mixed Paper (PS 54) also dropped from $31 to an average $25-$26 per ton range. This compares to $55 per ton this time last year. Sorted Office Papers (PS 37) dropped $10 from $125 to an average $115 per ton. This grade was $120-$125 per ton this time last year.
The national average price for Corrugated Containers (PS 11) dropped from an average $68 per ton to the current $50-$55 per ton range. OCC averaged $86 per ton one year ago.
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 (http://www.recyclingmarkets.net). You can also contact Christina at or call 330-956-8911.
