Learn about Coke's commitment to the environment & how you can help!
LivePositively.com/JoinUs
The #1 on our bottle means it’s made with 100% safe, PET plastic!
www.PolandSpringBornBetter.com
Debris, Junk, Clutter, Stored items We Remove It All! Call for Appt.
GuilianoCarting.com
PolyMag metal detectable additive separates resins for recycling
www.eriez.com
Order 1/2 Yd. to 40 Yd. Containers LEED Recycling Specialist Go Green
www.CardellaWaste.com
1 to 40 Yard Dumpsters / Scrap Trash & Recycling Pick Up/Drop Off
www.accuraterecycling.com/
Medical Waste Disposal Medical Waste and Sharps Container
medcleansolutions.com
We'll Take Your Paper, Cardboard & More At Our Recycling Center.
www.AceEnviroSvc.com
Rubber Sheet, Butyl, Plastic, Polyurethane Foam, Neoprene & more
www.sherwoodindustriesinc.com
Provider of recycle-oriented thermoplastic resins for injection mold and extrusion applications.
www.aciplastics.com
Provider of a range of services to the plastic molding and extrusion industry. Supplies masterbatches, compounds, dry colors and recycling services.
www.addcolour-plastics.co.uk
Transports, processes and recycles plastic containers, flammable waste, acid waste, solvents, alkaline waste, oil and aerosol containers.
www.american-waste.com
Specialists in the recycling of post industrial and post consumer plastic scrap.
www.amtinet.com
Buyers and sellers of plastic raw materials, and providers of in-house reprocessing services such as granulation and compounding.
members.aol.com
Manufacturer and distributer of ecologically sound packaging. Provides reverse logistics for the recycling and return of packaging materials and product components.
www.armfg.com
Recycling company for the paper and plastics industry.
www.centrolgroup.co.uk
Supplier of recycled plastics. Specializes in off-grade resins, reprocessed resins and scraps.
www.chemiplas.com
Operates scrap paper collection and sorting programs throughout the midwest United States. Also, purchases, collects, processes and markets plastic, glass and tin.
www.citycarton.com
Recycling of plastic, paper, metal, wood and glass for biotechnology facilities.
www.conigliaro.com
Materials recovery facility specializing in the collection of cardboard, all grades of paper, household plastics and tin.
www.crownshredandrecycling.com
Plastics recycling company offering grinding, pelletizing, densification, extrusion design and manufacturing services.
www.eaglebrook.com
Recycler of paper, glass, aluminum cans, tin cans, nonferrous metals, plastics and other emerging recyclable materials.
www.fibres.net
Sorting, collection and recycling of household refuse, including glass and plastic bottles, cardboard packaging and metals.
www.fostplus.be
Buyer and seller of a range of plastic scrap materials in the forms of film, sheets, lumps, regrind, powder, rolls and pellets.
www.fukutomi.com.hk
Manufacturer of recycled plastic sheets and products for the boating, store fixtures and furniture industries.
www.gipo-rpi.com
Provider of technologies for recycling of plastics, cable, electronic scrap and mixed material, as well as for separation of metals from plastics, food and other products.
www.hamos.com
Offers a system to reclaim and recycle post-industrial and post-consumer low-density and lightweight plastics.
www.hudnut.com
Provider of starch-based resins that allow for the disposal of products through hydrolytic, biodegradable action or clean incineration.
www.ianr.unl.edu
Recycles plastic, produces custom packaging, and provides warehouse and trucking services.
www.jadcore.com
Manufactures plastic materials based on post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastics, as well as virgin plastics.
www.lavergneusa.com
Domestic and overseas supplier and buyer of post-industrial and post-consumer thermoplastics.
www.lavicopolymers.com
Manufactures automated polyurethane foam recycling systems for installation at the foam manufacturer's site.
www.mobiustechnologies.com
Recycler of acrylic, nylon, cellulose acetate, and cellulose propionate.
www.modernrecycling.com
Recycler who buys and sells all marketable forms of plastics, clean or contaminated.
www.nationalrecycling.com
Designer and manufacturer of plastics recycling and washing plants.
www.netcowork.it
Dedicated to reprocessing of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastics, diverting industrial scrap from landfill and creating reusable feedstock for the plastics industry.
www.norwichplastics.com
Specialists in the recycling and marketing of plastic materials.
www.plasti-phenix.com
Buys and sells most types of plastics in all forms, ranging from thermoplastics to engineering grades.
plasticrecyclers.com
Thermoplastics recycling company specializing in all forms of PET.
www.plastics-max.com
Provides information on plastics and the environment with a focus on resource conservation issues. From American Plastics Council.
www.plasticsresource.com
Recycles thermoplastic waste in any form, including surplus, regrind, repro, scrap, and off-grade resins.
www.polychem-usa.com
Full-service brokerage of virgin, regrind and scrap plastic.
www.pugetsoundplastics.net
Specializes in various models of plastic granulators, shredders, crushers, drying, mixing and blending, recycling machine equipments, and more.
www.pulian.com
Purchases, processes and sells recycled cardboard, paper and plastics. Also, purchases metals and computer scrap.
www.raffrecycling.com
Recyclers of all types of packaging scrap, and buyers of post-consumer and post-industrial aluminum, steel, glass and plastic container scrap.
recyclemetal.com
Global marketplace for buyers and sellers of recyclable plastics. Registration required.
www.recytrade.com
Manufacturer of products from recycled post-consumer and post-industrial plastics, including a variety of posts, boxes and covers for utility applications.
www.replas.com.au
Provides plastic recycling for the rotational molding industry.
www.resingrinders.com
Plastics recycler providing grinding, warehousing, repackaging, fabrication and brokerage and distribution services.
www.rptinc.net
Provides recycling of hard plastic semiconductor matrix trays for SMT board manufacturers around the world.
www.semicycle.com
Recycling firm for all post-industrial and post-consumed plastics, rubbers and polymers.
www.sonepa.nl
Provider of turnkey plastic recycling production lines. A division of Previero designing and manufacturing
www.sorema.it
Global manufacturer and distributor of plastic recycling and processing equipment including knife granulators and customized equipment for the inline and centralized grinding of plastic scraps.
www.triaplastics.com
Recyclers of paper, glass, metal and plastic as well as nontraditional materials.
www.turtleislandrecycling.com
Full-service thermoplastics recycler specializing in the sale and purchase of post-industrial and post-consumer material.
www.unitedplasticrecycling.com
Recycler of properly rinsed crop protection product containers, serves the Eastern and Southern US.
www.usagrecycling.com
Learn about Coke's commitment to the environment & how you can help!
LivePositively.com/JoinUs
The #1 on our bottle means it’s made with 100% safe, PET plastic!
www.PolandSpringBornBetter.com
Debris, Junk, Clutter, Stored items We Remove It All! Call for Appt.
GuilianoCarting.com
Plastic recycling companies have a steady stream of raw material with a consistent demand for their services, and supplies for plastic recycling are relatively inexpensive. The recycling business has garnered a great deal of consumer attention due to growing consumer awareness of environmental issues and high energy costs. Plastic recycling companies require relatively low start up costs and often hire plastic scrap buyers on a contract basis to lower staffing costs.
Plastic scrap recycling businesses are often established in areas with low real estate value, and can easily adapt available warehouse space to suit their needs. The machinery for plastic scrap recycling is not very sophisticated and is low maintenance, which further reduces initial expenditures. Employee costs are low compared to similar businesses.
1. Contact several suppliers for plastic recycling companies to compare their operations and compare prices.
2. Get initial equipment for recycling plastic with at least 50 percent more plastic recycling capacity, to allow for business expansion.
3. Purchase equipment for your plastic recycling business from an experienced supplier.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Design your plastic recycling center to maximize output and minimize costs
Meet the rising costs of transportation head-on and establish an efficient plastic recycling business. Success in this area is about more than recycling plastic bottles, recycling plastic bags and recycling plastic water bottles. Machinery for processing of all types of plastic products should be in the same location as shipping and collection, to reduce transportation-related expenses.
I recommend: Foremost Machine Builders sells supplies for plastic recycling and can design machinery for your entire operation. Using its products will ensure your plastic recycling facility is efficient, modern and up to code. Contact SSI Shredding Systems for guaranteed prices and excellent service. This company specializes in designing and manufacturing industrial shredders.
Plan the capacity of your plastic recycling business before buying any equipment
Equipment costs are second only to land during the initial phase of establishing a plastic recycling business. Based upon a three month projection estimate, the baseline capacity of your equipment needs and increase by 25 to 50 percent to factor in three years of 10 to 15 percent growth. Projecting growth into the costs of equipment purchase allows for a larger depreciation allowance and bigger business tax write-off.
I recommend: The sales and service group at Rapid Granulator can help you calculate your equipment capacity needs and provide your recycling business with cutting edge equipment. The high quality and extensive product lines at World Wide Recycling Equipment Sales can accommodate any size plastic recycling business.
Work with well established business enterprises when buying supplies for plastic recycling
There are many overseas companies selling plastic recycling equipment, but many are simply purchasing agents and not actual suppliers. Established businesses have their own sales agents and can offer direct discounts to buyers. To get the best possible deal on equipment purchases for your plastic recycling company, you should work directly with an agent of the manufacturer.
I recommend: Shred Tech is an established name in the recycling equipment business. A successful plastic recycling business needs reliable suppliers, such as Cumberland Engineering. This company has been in the business for over 70 years.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Find a region with a large population that has an unmet need for plastic recycling.
Plastic scrap buyers recycle everything from plastic grocery store bags to vinyl pipes. Starting a plastic recycling business often pays off in terms of selling recycled plastic, not to mention the positive impact recycling plastic bottles and bags has on the environment.
For those wanting to start a plastic recycling business, complete systems cost anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to well into the millions, depending on the size of the operation. Once set up, most plastic scrap buyers have many options for selling the recycled plastic since many companies use post-consumer plastic to make carpet, vinyl fencing and even to produce more plastic bags.
Consider the following when you look into a plastic recycling company:
1. What type and how much plastic waste your community produces.
2. The cost of machinery needed for plastic recycling, which is typically quite costly.
3. How to develop a plan for items like collection, storage and location of plastic scrap recycling.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Identify the plastic scrap recycling needs of the community
Crunch numbers to get an idea of available resources for plastic scraps such as plastic bags, bottles or other food containers. Are there universities, churches and large grocery stores, all of which can produce huge amounts of plastic waste? Check for any existing recycling centers your community, whether it be for curbside recycling or plastic bag recycling. Make sure you don't try to establish something that already exists.
I recommend: The Recycling Center allows you to do a quick search for recycling businesses by ZIP code.
Get solid estimates on what plastic recycling machinery costs
Browse through sites that sell machinery to plastic recycling companies. Several sites offer equipment and have contact email addresses for quotes. The machinery is a big commitment so most of the sites also offer information for what you need to consider as far as skill and manpower are concerned.
I recommend: HarmonyEnterprises, Inc. and American Cierra Equipment, Inc. offer state-of-the-art equipment.
Set up a check list and prepare a plastic recycling business plan
In addition to the machinery, you must make a checklist to consider the cost of other items like plastic storage containers and vehicles to transport the plastic scraps. Also figure in the cost of collection as well as what it will cost to transport the plastic to your site. Write a business plan to project profits and to select a location for a recycling center. Consider an area that is both easy to get to and one with neighbors who can tolerate a little noise.
I recommend: RecyclingBizz.com blog provides up-to-date recycling news. Bplan.com offers a free sample plan for a plastic scrap recycling business.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Petition your city council to conduct an audit to determine which neighborhoods in your community will produce the most waste for plastic recycling companies.
- • Look for other 'green' programs in the community. An already established willingness means more involvement in a similar cause.
Any recycling industry overview will show that the plastic scrap recycling industry has grown more profitable in the past decade. With the rising costs of petroleum, plastic scrap recycling saves natural resources and reduces production costs.
A recycling plastic business includes a large base of scrap suppliers, a recycling plant, shipping facilities, and buyers of the end product. Recyclers of plastic prefer to purchase directly from larger suppliers, such as retail stores and chain restaurants. Any successful recycling plastic business needs an uninterrupted supply of scrap plastic.
A large scale plastic recycling business cannot rely on individuals recycling plastic bags and recycling plastic bottles to build a profitable business. A plastic recycling industry overview must also address the potential energy savings for plastic recycling factories. If your business can guarantee a consistent bulk supply of plastic scrap, buyers will offer you an above average market price.
1. Contact several plastic scrap buyers to get a per-pound and per-ton estimate for scrap plastic.
2. Offer to act as a middle man for smaller suppliers of plastic recycling supplies.
3. Start a recycling campaign at local offices and education institutions to increase your recycling supply.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Work with a large national plastic recycling business
A national plastic recycling business stays in business by having reliable sources for scrap plastic. The largest domestic plastic recycling firms have multiple collection locations and be a shrewd scrap plastic buyer. To become a national level plastic scrap buyer, a company must have many sources and monitor the international market prices for scrap and transportation costs. Before contacting plastic recycling companies, firm up the amount of scrap plastic you can supply.
I recommend: Recycling Network is a leader in plastic scrap recycling nationwide, and they buy all varieties of recyclable plastic. The Allan Company buys scrap plastic through many locations across the country. Each of these companies are good examples of plastic scrap businesses that grew from a single office to nationwide plastic recycling companies.
Assist businesses with plastic scrap recycling from a green business perspective
The plastic recycling business has always appealed to environmentally minded businesses. Plastic scrap recycling companies also work directly with local and regional solid waste haulers and offer a guaranteed price for post-consumer scrap plastic. Many businesses are turning green and coordinating a plastic recycling network is very profitable. Contact small business owners and provide them with recycling containers to establish a supply network for plastic recycling.
I recommend: Get in touch with the Custom Polymers and Commercial Plastics Recycling to lay the groundwork for a small business recycling group. Small business owners are always on the lookout for methods to cut costs and increase profits, and many successful plastic recyclers build extensive networks of small business owners.
Work with several plastic scrap buyers
The plastic recycling business has become more competitive with a growing international presence in America. Recycling is cost-effective for numerous business that depend upon synthetic materials such as manufacturers of molded plastic items. Increased demand has created a more competitive pricing structure for scrap plastic.
I recommend: Evergreen Plastics and the Plastic Trader plastic recycling companies purchase scrap plastic both regionally and nationally. These companies were founded by owners who successfully met the needs of a niche market while building upon a reputation for reliability.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • The plastic recycling business begins with supply and demand. The scrap plastic market is much more competitive than before; to be successful, your company must expand the available supply of post-consumer plastic scrap.
When looking to reduce the environmental impact of your business, plastic recycling is often one of the first options to consider. However, there are many types of plastics with various properties and recycling potential. Learning more about these types of plastics, along with research into the plastic recycling services offered in your area, will allow you to choose plastics that have the best recycling potential while still meeting your business needs. These decisions can be beneficial to both your business and the environment.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE)
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) is a clear, flexible plastic that is most often used for disposable drink bottles and other blow-molded consumer containers. PETE is designated with a number 1, able to be recycled in most areas, and can be recycled into a variety of high demand products such as carpet fibers, fleece, tote bags and more drink bottles.
I recommend: The National Association for PET Container Resources offers information on the uses and recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate plastic.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a translucent, stiff plastic most often used in milk jugs and cleaning products, such as detergent, shampoo and bleach. This plastic is designated with a number 2 and, along with PETE, is one of the most commonly accepted plastics in recycling programs. Among other things, it can be recycled back into similar types of containers, as well as plastic lumber, garden edging, buckets and bins.
I recommend: Waste Age gives an in depth explanation of HDPE, including usage and recycling statistics.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a versatile plastic that can be either rigid or flexible. This makes it applicable for a wide variety of uses, such as window frames, siding, pipes, medical equipment, shrink wrap and much more. For recycling, it is designated with a number 3 and is not always accepted by recycling programs. If recycled, it can be made into mudflaps, flooring, carpet backing, pipe and plastic lumber for decking and fencing.
I recommend: Lenntech offers information on the production, manufacture and disposal of PVC.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a tough and flexible plastic used in squeezable bottles, shopping, bread and dry cleaning bags, coatings for drink cups and paper milk cartons, as well as wire coverings. It is designated with a number 4 for recycling and is not always accepted by recycling programs. Many stores, however, are beginning to collect LDPE shopping bags for recycling. LDPE can be recycled into products like trash cans and liners, shipping envelopes and plastic lumber.
I recommend: The American Chemistry Council offers information on the properties and uses of many plastics, including LDPE.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a versatile plastic that is found in everything from bottle caps, straws and medical bottles, to automotive and appliance components. It is designated with a number 5 for recycling and is accepted by some recycling programs. It can be recycled into automotive battery cases and cables, ice scrapers, brooms, brushes, rakes and storage bins.
I recommend: wiseGEEK offers information on the structure, usage and recycling of polypropylene.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene can be made into a rigid or foam plastic. Styrofoam is often used as a generic term for the foam version of this plastic. It is used in a variety of food containers, plates, cups, protective packaging and compact disc cases. It is designated with a number 6 for recycling purposes and is accepted by some recycling programs. It can be recycled into insulation, food containers, plastic molding and light switch plates.
I recommend: EarthOdyssey offers information on the properties and recycling of various plastics including Polystyrene.
