The national average price of post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars remained steady in January, averaging 5.38 cents/lb, compared to 5.41 cents/lb this time last month. Regional contracts are still yielding in the 5-7 cent range. One year ago this grade was trading at an average 16.44 cents/lb.
The national average price of post-consumer natural HDPE from curbside collection programs moved upward over 11% this month, from 46.75 cents/lb to the current 52.13 cents. The average price was 82.38 cents this time last year.
The national average price of color HDPE is up marginally this month, from 3.00 cents to 3.25 cents/lb. This compares to 5.44 cents one year ago.
The national average price of post-consumer PP is also up, from 5.38 cents to 6.63 cents/lb. By comparison, PP was 9.06 cents one year ago.
The national average price of A-grade film dropped from 14.44 cents to 13.50 cents/lb. This grade traded at 18.13 cents one year ago. B-grade film is also down, from 6.13 cents to 5.25 cents/lb. C-grade film is now averaging under 0 cents, at -0.56 cents/lb.
The national average price for sorted, baled aluminum cans (UBCs) remains constant at 78.44 cents/lb. It was 86.88 cents/lb this time last year.
Sorted, baled steel cans also remain constant at $158/ton. Steel cans averaged $174/ton one year ago.
Sorted residential papers (PS 56) remain constant in the $34/ton range. This compares to $60/ton one year ago. Mixed Paper (PS 54) is still trading at an average $20-21/ton. This compares to $41/ton this time last year. Sorted office papers (PS 37) are still trading at an average $108/ton. This grade was $115-$120/ton this time last year.
The national average price for OCC (PS 11) remains in the $45-$50/ton range. OCC averaged $70-$75/ton one year ago.
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 cmb@recyclingmarkets.net or call 330-956-8911.
