How Much Is Plastic Scrap Worth in 2026?
Plastic scrap pricing in 2026 is no longer a guessing game—but it’s also not a fixed number. For manufacturers, understanding what your scrap is worth can mean the difference between recovering real revenue or leaving money on the table.
💰 Average Plastic Scrap Prices (2026 Snapshot)
While prices fluctuate based on oil markets, demand, and material quality, here’s a general range:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): $0.20 – $0.80 per lb
- PP (Polypropylene): $0.15 – $0.60 per lb
- LDPE Film: $0.05 – $0.40 per lb
- PET: $0.10 – $0.50 per lb
👉 These are bulk, post-industrial pricing ranges, not small consumer recycling rates.
📊 What Drives Plastic Scrap Value?
Several factors determine where your material lands in that range:
1. Material Type
HDPE and PP tend to command higher prices due to demand in manufacturing reuse.
2. Cleanliness
Contaminants (labels, food residue, mixed plastics) can drop value significantly.
3. Volume
Truckload quantities (30,000–45,000 lbs) almost always get better pricing.
4. Form Factor
- Regrind = higher value
- Baled = mid-range
- Loose = lowest value
🏭 Why Manufacturers Are Cashing In
Instead of paying for disposal, manufacturers are turning plastic scrap into a secondary revenue stream.
Working with companies like Seraphim Plastics allows businesses to:
- Sell bulk scrap efficiently
- Reduce landfill costs
- Improve sustainability reporting
🔥 Final Takeaway
In 2026, plastic scrap is no longer waste—it’s a commodity.
If you’re producing consistent volumes, your scrap likely has real, recurring value.