Attached is your PO for deliveries of recyclables during December2022.

The value of recyclables is down slightly this month.Overall paper grades are down a bit within the last week, and plastics and metals are flat to marginally down.

The domestic paper mills are running at levels equal to last month but not near the 100% capacity of six months ago.  This kept domestic prices relatively flat.  The export paper mills are consuming recycled paper not used by the domestic markets.  While export paper prices rose a bit in November, within the last two weeks, that price decreased somewhat.  As we are still exporting over 50% of our paper, this drop in export prices has hurt overall recyclables’ value.

For the most part, plastic prices were flat.  Last month we wrote consumer generation of plastics was down.  We see that continuing this month.  Demand is also down, which creates relatively stable pricing.

Depending on the mixture of metals in residential mix, the overall metals market is either flat or slightly down, with aluminum seeing upward price pressure and tin seeing more downward price pressure.  The European energy shortage still sustains the demand for aluminum production in North American.

As we look at future pricing indicators, we don’t expect the post-Holiday surge in residential recyclables to be as strong as in past years.  This is due to consumer buying power still being hurt by economic conditions.  There will, however, be a large enough generation increase to keep commodity prices suppressed for a few more months.  Following the post-Holiday surge, we expect to see the typical drop in supply generation which should create upward pressure on pricing in early Spring.

Most economists believe the economic downturn will continue for several more months.  Amazon provided confirmation of this economic condition as they recently laid off thousands of employees in anticipation of selling and shipping fewer products.

During these unpredictable times, we will always strive to obtain the best pricing available and to provide you with the best possible service.  It is our pleasure to work with you to recycle material and to protect our environment.  We appreciate you and thank you for your business.

Stay Safe!  Enjoy this Holiday season.

Signature Plates

P.S. – Please note our Holiday schedule below.

Christmas& New Year’s Weekend

Both Tacoma and Clackamas will be open during regular receiving hours the Friday before and Monday after these Holiday weekends:  DEC 23^rd, DEC 26^th, DEC 30^th, and JAN 2^nd.