Handling End Markets - WRAP http://www.wrap.org.uk/local_authorities/plastic_bottle_collectio...

You are here: Home / Local Authorities / Plastic bottle collection / Improve Your Collections /

Handling end markets

When preparing your collected plastic bottles for sale to reprocessors, the following simple steps can help you
achieve best value:

Segregating by plastic type

Baling mixed bottles is usually the most cost-effective method for smaller schemes. However, as volumes grow it can
be financially preferable to sort into the main polymer types:

PET (e.g. fizzy drinks);

HDPE (e.g. milk); or

PVC (e.g. detergents).

Better baling

Densely packed, tightly bound bales usually offer the best value.

Loosely packed bales achieve less value and may even be rejected by reprocessors. Large horizontal balers can be used
to produce tight bales, and optimising machine settings for plastic bottles can increase shipment weights by as much
as 20%.

Reducing contamination

Bales with low levels of contamination generally achieve higher prices and more consistent end markets.

Minimise contaminants during collection by promoting good recycling behaviour from residents (see comms good
practice) and ensuring collection staff are trained for on-vehicle sorting.

At material recycling facilities (MRFs),

contamination can be minimised with
appropriate procedures during the sorting
phases, by ensuring there is no
cross-contamination from balers used for
other materials, and by storing bales or
bottle piles on clean ground.

Managing relationships

Key to a successful scheme is a good relationship between an authority and its waste management or reprocessing
company.

You can find out reprocessors on RecyclePlastic. Once you have a shortlist of the geographically appropriate
companies to approach, site visits are recommended to establish familiarity with their services and key members of
staff.

Once you have an agreement with a reprocessor, it helps to maintain strong and regular lines of communication, and
to stay informed on the issues that affect the market value they can offer for your collected plastic bottles.

1 sur 2 19/06/08 23:30

Handling End Markets - WRAP http://www.wrap.org.uk/local_authorities/plastic_bottle_collectio...

2 sur 2 19/06/08 23:30