Industrial Baled Plastic Film Recycling (LDPE & Shrink Wrap)
For distribution centers, warehouses, and logistics hubs, stretch film (shrink wrap) is the single largest volume waste stream. Every pallet that enters your dock comes wrapped in Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE).
If you are throwing this material into a trash compactor, you are throwing away a commodity.
Waste Optima transforms baled plastic film from a waste cost into a revenue stream. We specialize in the bulk brokerage of Post-Commercial Recyclables (PCR). By diverting your pallet wrap into a vertical or horizontal baler, you create mill-ready bales that we can route directly to wash lines and pelletizers, maximizing your scrap rebate values.
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 Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Clear) | Clear Stretch Film / Pallet Wrap | < 2% (No Color/Strapping) |
| Grade B (Mixed) | Clear/Color Mix (Retail Bags) | < 15% (Paper Labels OK) |
| Rigid Plastics | HDPE/PP Pallets or Crates | Must be Baled or Stacked |
| Roll Stock | Film on Core (BOPP/PET) | See Roll Stock Page |
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: 2025-12-12