APR Introduces Plastics Bale Specifications

The Association of Postconsumer Plastics Recyclers (APR), Washington, D.C., has established new model bale specifications for collecting bulky rigid plastics and tubs and lids, non-bottle rigid plastics that have strong domestic markets. The specifications have been released as the association seeks ways to ease the collection and recovery difficulties associated with the growing variety of plastic packaging.

“These new model bale specifications allow the recycling industry a common vocabulary,” says APR Rigid Recycling Director Liz Bedard. “By clearly identifying commodities that have a growing domestic market, we can begin to increase the collection and recycling of these valuable plastic materials.”
 
The bale specifications follow a year-long study evaluating types of non-bottle plastics bales being generated in North America. “We regularly hear from community leaders that their households are calling for more recycling opportunities for materials like yogurt and margarine tubs,” says Steve Alexander, APR executive director. “Those containers are often made out of polypropylene, a resin very present in the material stream and with a growing recycling market.”
 
APR plans to educate the recycling industry about the new model bale specifications through various means, including the APR website, webinars, market lists and case studies. “Case studies and frequently asked questions will help supplement ongoing and targeted Web-based learning sessions for our community partners and MRF (material recovery facility) partners alike,” says Keefe Harrison, APR communications director. “We understand that creating the model specifications is just the first step in affecting current recycling rates in North America.”
 
These two specifications are the first in a series of new model specifications for bales that contain non-bottle rigid plastics. APR will continue work to secure specifications for other material streams that are primed for steady growth.
 
MRF managers are invited to join APR for a web seminar on the new specifications on June 2, 2011, at 2 p.m. Eastern daylight time. Those interested in attending the seminar can register at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/629897790.

The APR is the national trade association representing companies who acquire, reprocess and sell the output of more than 90 percent of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America. The APR Bale Specs and Rigid Market Development Tools can be found at http://plasticsrecycling.org/rigid-plastics/public-access-rigid-plastics-information.