Recycling Prices Show Mixed Signals in November, Reflecting Broader Economic Trends
Recyclable material prices experienced a varied landscape in November, with some commodities holding steady while others saw modest gains or declines, according to the latest data. The pricing trends offer a snapshot of the ongoing dynamics within the recycling industry and its sensitivity to broader economic forces.
According to reports from the Secondary Materials Pricing Index, the national average price for post-consumer PET beverage bottles and jars edged upward to 5.28 cents per pound, a slight increase from 4.50 cents per pound last month. Regional contracts currently range between 4 and 7 cents per pound, but remain significantly lower than the 16.41 cents per pound average seen one year ago.
Natural HDPE, sourced from curbside collection programs, also saw a slight firming, reaching 46.75 cents per pound compared to 44.63 cents per pound in October. However, this price still falls below the 58.56 cents per pound recorded during the same period last year. In contrast, the price of color HDPE experienced a marginal decrease, moving from 3.25 cents to 2.75 cents per pound, a considerable drop from the 8.0 cents per pound seen a year prior.
Post-consumer PP prices remained stable at 5.38 cents per pound, though down from 9.76 cents per pound last year. Prices for film plastics also declined across the board. A-grade film decreased from 18.75 cents to 17.38 cents per pound, while B-grade film fell from 7.0 cents to 6.38 cents per pound. C-grade film held steady at 0.38 cents per pound.
Prices for aluminum cans (UBCs) remained constant at 78.44 cents per pound, though lower than the 86.88 cents per pound of a year ago. Similarly, steel cans held firm at $158 per ton, down from an average of $174 per ton last year.
The paper market saw more pronounced declines. Sorted residential papers (PS 56) dropped $6 per ton, landing at $34 per ton, a significant decrease from $63 per ton last year. Mixed paper (PS 54) also decreased, falling to a range of $20-21 per ton, compared to $45 per ton last year. Sorted office papers (PS 37) saw a $5 decrease, settling at $110 per ton, down from $115-$120 per ton last year.
Finally, the price of old corrugated containers (OCC) decreased from an average of $54 per ton to a current range of $45-$50 per ton, a substantial drop from $77 per ton one year ago.
“These prices represent what is being paid for post-consumer recyclable materials in a sorted, baled format, picked up at most major recycling centers,” a senior official stated.
The data, as reported by the Secondary Materials Pricing Index, underscores the fluctuating nature of the recycling market and the impact of economic conditions on commodity values.
For those seeking more detailed and up-to-date pricing information, a free trial to SMP’s Online Post-Consumer Pricing Index is available at recyclingmarkets.net. Interested parties can also contact Christina Boulanger-Bosley at [email protected] or call 330-956-8911.
