Supermarkets that bale rigid plastics – such as deli containers, floral buckets, and pharmacy bottles – can generate significant revenue. The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently created a training video to help grocery stores start baling rigid plastic containers.

The APR case study of several methods of disposing of rigid plastics found that horizontal baling generated the most revenue. A supermarket chain with 100 stores can generate over $100,000 annually from this recyclable material. Any business that generates large volumes of #2 high density polyethylene (HDPE) and #5 polypropylene (PP) rigid plastic packaging should consider baling this material.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. To get started recycling plastics or for assistance setting up a recycling or composting program, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.