The Most Profitable Plastics to Recycle: What Manufacturers Need to Know

By Seraphim Plastics | July 29, 2025

Introduction: Recycling That Pays

In industrial manufacturing, plastic waste is inevitable. But what many companies overlook is that some of that “waste” is actually profit in disguise.

At Seraphim Plastics, we specialize in turning bulk industrial plastic scrap into real revenue for businesses across Tennessee and surrounding states. Knowing which plastics are most profitable to recycle can help your facility maximize both sustainability and bottom-line savings.

Why Some Plastics Are More Profitable Than Others

Not all plastics are created equal. The profitability of recycling a particular plastic depends on:

  • Resin type (resin identification code #1–#7)

  • Processing ease (gradeability, cleanliness)

  • Market demand for reprocessed material

  • Form factor (pallets vs. film vs. lumps)

  • Contamination risk

Let’s break down the top-performing plastics that generate the highest ROI when recycled in industrial quantities.

1. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

Recycling Code: #2
Market Value: ★★★★☆
Common Forms We Accept:

Why It Pays:
HDPE is in high demand for remanufacturing durable goods. It’s durable, easily grindable, and often available in clean, uniform batches from industrial sources.

2. PP (Polypropylene)

Recycling Code: #5
Market Value: ★★★★☆
Common Forms We Accept:

Why It Pays:
Polypropylene is used in automotive and industrial manufacturing and is highly recyclable when kept in clean, color-sorted form.

3. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Recycling Code: #1
Market Value: ★★★☆☆
Common Forms We Accept:

Why It Pays:
PET thermoforms, when clean and sorted, are used to manufacture textiles and packaging, making them moderately profitable when collected in bulk.

4. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)

Recycling Code: #4
Market Value: ★★★☆☆
Common Forms We Accept:

  • Clean LDPE sheet or film (non-post-consumer)

Why It Pays:
LDPE from shrink wrap and industrial packaging can return profit when it’s clean, label-free, and sorted from other materials.

5. Purge, Lumps, and Spurs

Recycling Code: Varies
Market Value: ★★★★☆
Common Forms We Accept:

  • Clean purge from molding operations

  • Injection molding lumps or spurs

Why It Pays:
This category is extremely valuable when clean. Easy to process, purge is often used directly by manufacturers as a cost-effective feedstock.

6. Regrind and Pellets

Market Value: ★★★★★
Common Forms We Accept:

  • Sorted regrind by resin type

  • Industrial-grade plastic pellets

Why It Pays:
Regrind and pellets are ready for immediate use, making them the most profitable materials Seraphim Plastics purchases.

What Reduces the Value of Your Plastic Scrap?

Factor Impact on Profitability
Dirty or mixed resin types Decreases dramatically
Moisture or contamination Harder to process
Labels or metal attachments Must be removed first
Inconsistent volume Less predictable value

Maximize Profit with Seraphim Plastics’ Pickup Service

We provide industrial plastic scrap pickup for:

  • Manufacturers

  • Warehouses

  • Distribution centers

Minimum load: 5 tons
Areas served: Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky

Recap: Most Profitable Plastics for Your Business

Get Paid for Your Plastic Scrap

If your facility produces at least 5 tons of recyclable plastic per load, you’re likely sitting on an untapped revenue stream. Contact Seraphim Plastics to schedule a pickup or get a quote.

✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Reliable pickup across multiple states
✅ Industrial expertise you can trust

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