Understanding the Value of Industrial Plastic Scrap in the U.S.
For most manufacturers, warehouses, and logistics facilities, plastic waste is an inevitable byproduct of daily operations. Crates crack, pallets break, and bins become obsolete. Yet many of these materials still hold real value in the recycling market — if handled properly.
At Seraphim Plastics, our goal is to help industrial and commercial businesses turn that unused plastic into a measurable return. By recycling rigid, post-industrial plastics, companies can recover value, free up space, and contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing cycle.
The Current Landscape of Plastic Scrap Value
The value of scrap plastic in the U.S. fluctuates depending on the resin type, cleanliness, and regional demand. As of late 2025:
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HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) — commonly used for pallets, bins, and buckets — averages around $0.50–$0.70 per pound nationwide.
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Natural HDPE, especially from clean industrial sources, can exceed $1.00 per pound in some markets.
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Polypropylene (PP) — used in totes, lids, and other rigid containers — typically trades around $0.35–$0.55 per pound.
These numbers shift monthly based on resin supply, transportation costs, and end-market demand for regrind.
While individual rates may vary, the takeaway is clear: industrial-grade plastics are an asset, not a waste stream.
Why Industrial Plastic Scrap Has Value
Unlike mixed consumer plastics that require extensive sorting, post-industrial plastics are typically uniform, clean, and consistent — ideal for reuse. When properly separated, rigid materials such as HDPE and HMW can be shredded and repurposed into new manufacturing feedstock.
This “closed-loop” recycling system offers a practical way to:
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Reduce landfill waste and improve sustainability metrics
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Lower disposal and hauling costs
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Generate new revenue from materials that once cost money to discard
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Support a circular manufacturing economy
To see what types of materials Seraphim accepts, visit our Materials We Buy page.
From Scrap to Regrind: How Value Is Created
At Seraphim Plastics, the process of converting scrap into value is both efficient and traceable:
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Material Evaluation – We assess your load for type, weight, and purity.
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Pickup or Delivery – Depending on your location, we can arrange bulk transport directly to our facility.
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Shredding and Cleaning – The plastics are reduced to uniform regrind size and inspected for quality.
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Re-entry into Manufacturing – The regrind is sold to manufacturers who produce new pallets, bins, and industrial goods.
If your business is looking to buy clean, recycled material, you can explore our Plastic Regrind for Sale page for available inventory and specifications.
Regional Recycling Value: Tennessee and Beyond
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Seraphim Plastics operates throughout the Mid-South and Midwest, including:
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Tennessee (Learn more about recycling in Tennessee)
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Mississippi
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Arkansas
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Missouri
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Michigan
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Indiana
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Kentucky
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Ohio
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Alabama
This regional presence allows for lower transportation costs and faster turnaround, which can significantly increase the overall value businesses receive for their scrap material.
What Determines the Final Value of Your Plastic Scrap
Several factors influence pricing and potential payout:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Resin Type | HDPE, HMW, PP, PET, etc. Each resin has different market demand. |
| Cleanliness | Metal fasteners, wood, or labels reduce the value of the load. |
| Volume | Larger loads qualify for better rates and full-truck pickups. |
| Color and Consistency | Sorted materials (natural or single-color) command higher prices. |
| Market Demand | Regional and national resin markets fluctuate monthly. |
Our experienced buyers can help you assess these variables and determine the best approach for maximizing value.
Working With a Trusted Industrial Recycler
Choosing the right recycling partner ensures your materials are handled responsibly — not shipped overseas or landfilled. Seraphim Plastics processes materials domestically, ensuring compliance, quality, and transparency.
If your facility regularly handles rigid plastic materials such as:
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Pallets
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Crates
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Totes
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Buckets
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Knock-down bins
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Industrial purge
— you can partner with us to create a recurring recycling program tailored to your operations.
Learn more about our plastic buying and recycling process or contact us to schedule a pickup.
Final Thoughts
The value of plastic scrap continues to rise as more companies embrace sustainability and resource efficiency. Turning unused materials into a revenue stream isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good business.
At Seraphim Plastics, we make that transition simple, transparent, and profitable. Whether you’re recycling a few pallets or thousands of pounds of post-industrial plastic each month, our team can help you recover value while supporting a cleaner industrial future.