NERC reports MRF material value declined in Q3 2020

The Northeast Recycling Council’s (NERC’s) MRF Blended Value Study for the third quarter of 2020 shows a decrease in the overall value of curbside recycling materials during that time frame. The study covers the July to September time period with 11 states represented in the report, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.

In the third quarter, the average commodity value per ton with the expense of handling residuals was $40.19. Without residuals, the average commodity value per ton was $46.83. NERC reports that these values are down about 21 percent compared with the previous quarter. During the previous quarter, which spanned from April to June, the average commodity value per ton with residuals was $51.23. Without residuals, the average commodity value per ton was $59.58.

According to NERC’s latest data, the average processing cost for material recovery facilities (MRFs) was $84 per ton. The association says that is a 12 percent decrease compared with the previous quarter.

The full report with charts is available online. NERC reports that it plans to produce a similar study for the October to December time frame.