For the second year in a row, the level of waste recycling of high density polyethylene has remained the same. Causing concern for recyclers and manufacturers, and possibly presenting new opportunities.

The recycling rate for high density polyethylene has stayed steady at close to thirty percent for all of North America with a total amount of close to 974 million pounds.

Plastics recyclers are concerned that the rate will stay stagnant until municipalities or industry creates a new need or system for increasing the rate. Many believe that the HDPE waste recycling rate should be close to fifty percent and that the industry has the capacity for processes much more plastics waste than it currently is.

One suggestion on how to boost the level of HDPE materials recycled would be for municipalities to increase and improve their efforts to recycling plastic material. Many local governments don’t see a financial incentive for recycling, so opportunities exist for those industry sectors who need the recycled materials and are willing to pay for them.

While the export market for recycled HDPE is currently down, the market in the United States has doubled in the past year and shows signs of continuing to grow and develop.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: The waste recycling markets are constantly shifting and it’s important to stay up-to-date on current trends, news, and forecasts. While the outlook for HDPE may appear less than ideal, this could present a opportunity for the manufacturer, municipality, or recycler who is thinking outside the box!