The 10th in NERC’s series of quarterly reports on the market value of commodities from MRFs in the Northeast, the report covers the period July – September 2021. Ten states are represented in the report, including Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.
Overall, values were up significantly from the previous quarter. The only commodity grade that did not increase in value was glass, which remained essentially static.
- Average value per ton with the expense of handling residuals: $174.95 – up 41% from the previous quarter.
- Average value per ton without residuals: $184.63 – up 43% the previous quarter.
These survey results reflect the differing laws and collection options in the participating states. Four of the states have beverage container deposit laws. As a result, fewer glass bottles, PET bottles and aluminum cans are processed in MRFs in those states. Those MRFs are also likely to have less revenue from those recyclables. In addition, the report reflects a mix of single stream, dual stream and source separation to collect recyclables with single stream being the most common approach. The type of collection used will have an impact on MRF design and operation. Thus, the data from this report reflects the unique blend of facilities and statewide laws in the reporting states.
The study was made possible with a grant from EPA Region 3.