Industrial LDPE Film Recycling & Rebate Programs
Turn your baled stretch wrap into monthly revenue. We provide spot-market pricing and nationwide pickup for Grade A & B LDPE bales.
From "Trash" to "Cash": The Value of Baling
Loose plastic film is expensive to dispose of because it is mostly air—it fills up dumpsters quickly, leading to frequent, costly hauls.
Volume Reduction: Baling your film reduces its volume by 10:1.
Marketability: Recyclers cannot efficiently pick up loose plastic. They need dense, 1,000+ lb bales to make freight economics work.
Revenue: Clean, clear LDPE bales are traded on the open market. We track index pricing (CMA) to ensure you get a fair market rate for your material.
Material Grades We Manage
We handle all grades of baled polyethylene, primarily sourced from the "Back of House" retail and logistics sectors.
Grade A (Premium)
Composition: 95%+ Clear LDPE/LLDPE (Stretch film, pallet hoods).
Condition: Clean, dry, minimal labels ( < 5%). No color, no strapping.
Value: Highest rebate potential.
Grade B (Standard)
Composition: Mixed clear film with some colored film (tinted shrink wrap).
Condition: Higher percentage of labels/tape allowed (up to 20%).
Value: Moderate rebate or cost-neutral pickup.
Grade C / MRF Film
Composition: Heavily mixed, wet, or dirty film.
Condition: Significant contamination.
Value: Often requires a processing fee, but cheaper than landfill.
Bale Specifications Matrix
| Grade | Material Description | Contamination | Rebate Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Premium) | 95%+ Clear Stretch Film / Pallet Wrap | < 2% (No Color, Strapping, or Paper) | $$$ High (Index Linked) |
| Grade B (Standard) | Mixed Clear & Color Film (Retail Bags) | < 15% (Paper Labels/Tape OK) | $$ Moderate |
| Grade C (Low) | Dirty, Wet, or Heavy Label Contamination | High Contamination | $ Cost Neutral / Low |
| Rigid Plastics | HDPE/PP Pallets or Crates | Must be Baled or Stacked | Market Dependent |
Logistics & Equipment Support
Waste Optima manages the full lifecycle of your film recycling program.
Freight: We coordinate Full Truckload (FTL) pickups of 38-44 bales (approx. 40,000 lbs) utilizing dry vans.
LTL Options: For smaller facilities, we can arrange Less-Than-Truckload pickups or milk runs in select markets.
Equipment: Need a baler? We can advise on the right vertical baler (6030) or horizontal auto-tie system for your volume to ensure you produce mill-spec bales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grade A plastic film?
Grade A film consists of 95% or more clear, clean, dry LDPE or LLDPE stretch film (pallet wrap). It must be free of colored plastic, excessive paper labels, rigid strapping, and moisture to command the highest rebate value.
How many bales fit on a truck?
A standard 53' dry van trailer can typically hold 38 to 44 mill-size bales, depending on the bale weight. We target a minimum payload of 40,000 lbs to maximize freight efficiency and lower your shipping cost per pound.
Do you recycle colored shrink wrap?
Yes. Colored film (Grade B) is recyclable, but it must be separated from clear Grade A film to maximize the value of the clear stream. Mixing color into clear devalues the entire load.
Looking for Roll Stock Recycling?
If you are a printer or converter generating Plastic Film Rolls (BOPP, PET, or Laminated Master Rolls), that is a different material stream requiring specialized handling. Visit our Roll Stock Liquidation Page for solutions regarding obsolete inventory and manufacturing scrap.
Maximize Your Scrap Rebates
Are you getting the best price for your bales? Contact Waste Optima for a market valuation. We will audit your current bale quality and provide a quote based on current index pricing.
Related Services
Chemicals • Heavy Industrial • Organics • Paper • Plastic • Surplus Inventory
Last updated: 2025-12-29