How Much is Scrap Plastic Worth per Ton? A 2025 Global Market Analysis

Current Scrap Plastic Prices (2025)

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

• Clean, transparent PET bottles: $800–$1,200/ton
• Colored PET flakes: $600–$900/ton
• Food-grade recycled PET (rPET) pellets: $1,200–$1,500/ton

2. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

• Clean HDPE bottles (e.g., milk jugs): $600–$900/ton
• Mixed HDPE waste: $400–$600/ton
• Industrial HDPE pipes: $500–$700/ton

3. Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

• Clean LDPE films (e.g., shopping bags): $500–$800/ton
• Contaminated LDPE waste: $300–$500/ton
• Agricultural films: $400–$600/ton

4. Polypropylene (PP)

• Clean PP injection-molded parts: $700–$1,000/ton
• Mixed PP waste: $400–$700/ton
• PP fibers (e.g., ropes, textiles): $500–$800/ton

5. Other Plastics

• Polystyrene (PS): $300–$600/ton
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): $200–$400/ton
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): $600–$900/ton

Key Factors Influencing Scrap Plastic Prices

1. Material Type and Quality

• Purity: Clean, sorted plastics command higher prices. For example, PET bottles with labels or residual liquids may lose 10–20% of their value .
• Color: Light-colored plastics (e.g., clear PET) are more valuable, as they can be easily re-colored for new applications .
• Form: Rigid plastics (e.g., bottles) are easier to process than flexible films, which often require specialized equipment .

2. Market Demand and Supply

• Industry Trends: The rise of eco-conscious consumerism has increased demand for recycled plastics in packaging and automotive sectors. For example, major brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever have committed to using 50% recycled plastic in their packaging by 2030 .
• Crude Oil Prices: Plastic production is oil-dependent, so scrap plastic prices often fluctuate with crude oil markets. A 10% increase in oil prices can raise recycled plastic prices by 5–8% .
• Regional Imbalances: Shortages in regions like Southeast Asia (due to strict import regulations) can drive up local prices, while oversupply in Europe may 压低 prices .

3. Geographical Location

• China: As a major recycling hub, China’s domestic prices for HDPE and PET range from $600–$900/ton, depending on quality .
• United States: PET bottle scrap sells for $350–$500/ton, while HDPE prices average $450–$700/ton .
• Europe: Recycled PET prices fell to $1,100–$1,300/ton in 2025 due to oversupply and competition from cheaper imports .
• India: Prices for rPET range from $850–$1,000/ton, reflecting strong domestic demand but fragmented supply chains .

4. Regulatory Policies

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Policies in the EU and North America require manufacturers to fund plastic recycling, increasing demand for recycled materials and stabilizing prices .
• Plastic Taxes: The EU’s plastic packaging tax ($80/ton) and China’s import restrictions on contaminated waste have incentivized higher-quality recycling .
• Trade Tariffs: U.S.-China trade tensions have disrupted global plastic scrap flows, leading to price volatility in 2024–2025 .

Market Trends and Future Outlook

1. Growing Demand for Recycled Plastics

• Food-Grade rPET: Rising demand from beverage companies for eco-friendly packaging .
• Engineering Plastics: Recycled ABS and PP are increasingly used in automotive and electronics .
• Bioplastics: While still niche, bio-based plastics like PLA (polylactic acid) are gaining traction, though their recycling infrastructure remains limited .

2. Technological Innovations

• Advanced Sorting: AI and near-infrared (NIR) sensors improve material purity, increasing recyclate value by 15–20% .
• Chemical Recycling: Processes like microwave-assisted catalysis convert mixed plastics into high-value chemicals, potentially boosting profitability by 30–50% .
• Closed-Loop Systems: Companies like PepsiCo are investing in bottle-to-bottle recycling, reducing reliance on virgin PET .

3. Challenges Ahead

• Contamination: Mixed waste streams and non-plastic contaminants (e.g., metal, glass) reduce recyclate quality and pricing .
• Energy Costs: High energy consumption in washing and pelletizing processes can erode profit margins, especially for small-scale recyclers .
• Price Volatility: Fluctuations in crude oil prices and trade policies create uncertainty for buyers and sellers .

Maximizing Scrap Plastic Value

1. Pre-Sorting: Separate plastics by type and color to meet buyer specifications. For example, separating PET bottles from HDPE containers can increase value by 20–30% .
2. Cleaning and Dewatering: Use industrial washing systems to remove labels and residues, ensuring higher purity and better prices .
3. Leveraging Technology: Invest in AI-driven sorting machines or partner with certified recyclers to access premium markets .
4. Staying Informed: Monitor regional price trends (e.g., via platforms like Scrap Register or BIR reports) to negotiate better deals .

Conclusion