Types of Rigid Industrial Plastic That Can Be Recycled: A Complete Guide for Businesses

By Seraphim Plastics | July 12, 2025

Featuring SeraphimPlastics.com – Industrial Plastic Recycling Experts

Introduction: Why Rigid Industrial Plastic Recycling Matters

In the industrial world—whether you’re in manufacturing, distribution, automotive, or packaging—rigid plastics are everywhere. From HDPE drums to polypropylene pallets, these materials are durable, dependable, and built to last. But what happens when they break, crack, or outlive their original purpose?

That’s where industrial plastic recycling steps in—and it’s more important than ever.

Rigid plastics contribute significantly to post-industrial waste. Landfilling them isn’t just costly—it’s unsustainable. Recycling these materials not only recaptures value but also supports environmental goals, lowers disposal costs, and helps close the loop on plastic usage.

One company leading the way in industrial plastic recycling is SeraphimPlastics.com, based in Tennessee and operating across several U.S. states. Specializing in post-industrial rigid plastics, Seraphim Plastics helps businesses efficiently recycle bulk scrap, turning waste into reusable feedstock.

Let’s explore the types of rigid plastics that can be recycled, how they’re processed, and how businesses can benefit from partnering with experts like Seraphim Plastics.

Section 1: What Is Rigid Industrial Plastic?

Rigid industrial plastics are hard, durable polymers used in commercial-grade products and components. Unlike films or flexible packaging, rigid plastics maintain their shape and are often used in environments requiring strength, impact resistance, and structural stability.

Common Characteristics:

  • High melting points

  • UV and chemical resistance

  • Long lifespan

  • Recyclable via mechanical shredding, grinding, and pelletizing

Typical Uses:

  • Transportation: pallets, crates

  • Manufacturing: machine housings, buckets, spools

  • Storage: containers, bins, drums

  • Distribution: shelving, dunnage trays, totes

These plastics often originate in clean environments—ideal for post-industrial recycling, the specialty of SeraphimPlastics.com.

Section 2: Types of Rigid Plastic That Can Be Recycled

Let’s break down the most common types of recyclable rigid plastics found in industrial settings:

1. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – #2 Plastic

Description: A strong, lightweight plastic commonly used in industrial containers.

Common Items:

  • 55-gallon drums

  • Buckets

  • Plastic pallets

  • Crates and totes

  • Knock-down bins

  • Purge lumps and chucks

Why Recyclable?
HDPE is easily shredded and reprocessed into pellets. It’s ideal for recycling due to its high melting point and chemical resistance.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – HDPE is a core material accepted in injection, blow-molded, and structural forms.

2. PP (Polypropylene) – #5 Plastic

Description: Tough and semi-rigid, PP is commonly found in storage and automotive applications.

Common Items:

  • Plastic pallets

  • Automotive parts

  • Caps and closures

  • Storage containers

  • Purge, regrind, pellets

Why Recyclable?
PP is widely recycled in industrial environments. It resists heat, is impact-resistant, and has high reuse value.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – PP injection-molded parts, caps, and runners are processed regularly.

3. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Description: A rigid thermoplastic used in structural applications.

Common Items:

  • Electronic housings

  • Automotive interiors

  • Enclosures and panels

Why Recyclable?
ABS has excellent dimensional stability and strength, making it ideal for regrinding into feedstock for manufacturing.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – ABS is accepted in industrial quantities and sorted forms.

4. Nylon (PA6/PA66)

Description: Known for high performance and wear resistance.

Common Items:

  • Machine parts

  • Gears

  • Industrial bushings

  • Plastic hardware

Why Recyclable?
While not recycled as commonly as HDPE or PP, nylon is highly valuable and recyclable when sorted.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – sorted nylon components are accepted and ground for reuse.

5. PC (Polycarbonate)

Description: Strong, transparent, and impact-resistant plastic.

Common Items:

  • Safety shields

  • Lenses

  • Large clear panels

Why Recyclable?
PC is mechanically recyclable and retains strength in reprocessed forms.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – polycarbonate is among their listed accepted materials.

6. PMMA (Acrylic)

Description: A rigid, glass-like plastic.

Common Items:

  • Displays

  • Panels

  • Protective screens

Why Recyclable?
PMMA is valuable when clean and sorted, often ground and reused in sheet manufacturing.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – Acrylic/PMMA is accepted in clean, industrial scrap form.

7. TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin)

Description: A mix of polypropylene and elastomers, TPO is flexible yet rigid.

Common Items:

  • Automotive bumpers

  • Panels

  • Dunnage trays

Why Recyclable?
TPO is recyclable but requires sorting and identification.

Accepted by SeraphimPlastics.com: ✅ Yes – TPO is accepted from industries like automotive and logistics.

Section 3: How Industrial Plastic Recycling Works

Step 1: Collection

Materials are picked up from your facility in bulk. Seraphim Plastics offers scheduled pickups for clean, post-industrial scrap.

Step 2: Sorting

Plastics are sorted by resin type—HDPE, PP, ABS, etc.—to maintain purity during reprocessing.

Step 3: Shredding and Grinding

Rigid plastics are mechanically shredded into flakes or granules, then screened and washed as needed.

Step 4: Pelletizing (Optional)

Some material is further processed into uniform pellets for direct reuse in injection molding or extrusion.

Step 5: Reuse or Sale

The recycled plastic is sold to manufacturers to make new industrial parts, packaging, or consumer products.

Seraphim Plastics manages this entire process and provides documentation for ESG tracking and material volumes.

Section 4: Why Work With SeraphimPlastics.com?

✅ Industrial-Only Focus

Unlike municipal recyclers, Seraphim only works with post-industrial plastics—no mixed or contaminated consumer waste.

✅ Wide Acceptance

They accept more rigid plastic types than most recyclers, including injection, blow-molded, and thermoformed items.

✅ Regional Coverage

Headquartered in Tennessee, they serve clients across:

✅ Transparent Process

Seraphim offers:

  • Free quotes

  • Reliable pickup schedules

  • Clear material specifications

  • End-to-end logistics

✅ Environmental Impact

Recycling through Seraphim helps:

  • Divert thousands of pounds from landfills

  • Reduce carbon emissions

  • Contribute to closed-loop manufacturing

Visit SeraphimPlastics.com to learn more or get a custom quote.

Section 5: Business Benefits of Recycling Rigid Plastics

💰 1. Save on Disposal Costs

Avoid landfill fees and waste-hauler contracts.

🌍 2. Improve ESG Scores

Track diverted plastic tonnage and include it in sustainability reports.

🏭 3. Free Up Warehouse Space

Bulk drums, pallets, and bins take up valuable real estate. Recycling clears the clutter.

♻️ 4. Generate Revenue

High-quality, sorted plastic scrap may earn rebates or cash depending on quantity and resin.

👷 5. Regulatory Compliance

Proper recycling helps you stay compliant with environmental regulations.

Section 6: Best Practices for Industrial Plastic Recycling

  • Clean and dry all plastic before pickup

  • Separate by resin type (HDPE, PP, ABS, etc.)

  • Avoid contamination (labels, metal, food waste)

  • Bundle and stack where possible for easy transport

  • Document volumes for internal reporting

  • Consult Seraphim Plastics for sorting guidance

Section 7: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What qualifies as rigid plastic?

Rigid plastics include any hard, molded plastic items like drums, pallets, crates, parts, and containers.

Q: Does Seraphim Plastics accept small quantities?

They specialize in bulk pickups for industrial businesses. Minimum quantities typically apply.

Q: What materials are NOT accepted?

  • Consumer waste

  • Mixed plastic

  • Film or soft plastic

  • Dirty, food-contaminated plastic

  • PVC in mixed loads (contact for PVC-specific guidelines)

Q: How do I get started?

Visit SeraphimPlastics.com and use the contact form to request a pickup or recycling consultation.

Conclusion: Close the Loop With Rigid Plastic Recycling

Rigid plastic is too valuable to waste. From HDPE drums to PP totes and ABS housings, these materials represent an opportunity—not just a disposal problem.

Whether you’re a facility manager, logistics coordinator, or plant owner, rigid plastic recycling can:

  • Reduce waste

  • Save costs

  • Improve your sustainability efforts

And when you work with a trusted partner like SeraphimPlastics.com, the process is efficient, transparent, and aligned with your business goals.

🚛 Ready to Recycle?

Visit SeraphimPlastics.com to schedule a pickup or get a recycling quote today.

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