Attached is your PO for deliveries of recyclables during December2023.
The value of recyclables did not move much this month. Some grades were up while others were down. Depending on the mix of inbound recyclables, it may have affected your overall pricing differently.
In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), Both OCC and mixed paper prices improved with mixed paper being the strongest. The main driver for price increases is low consumer generation. Additionally, U.S. mills at yearend are adding more raw material stock. This all occurs while the US sees an oversupplied containerboard market, and as mills continue to run at slower rates, around 85% of capacity in the last year and a half. Export paper demand and prices are also up a bit.
Drops in plastics and UBC values countered the improvements in paper pricing. While a few plastic grades kept their value, other grades saw significant drops in demand and pricing. Polypropylene (PP#5) demand is extremely low as most end users are full of inventory. This created significant devaluation in this grade. Likewise, demand for high density polyethylene natural was down. Typically, natural is one of the most highly-demanded plastics grades. For the past two months, however, it has been difficult to find customers who are buying.
For metals, aluminum prices fell again while tin held value. Since UBC has a higher value than all other grades, a drop in its value has a more significant effect on the overall value of recyclables.
Looking forward, we still see an unpredictable paper market but expect the normal seasonal trends to occur next month. Increased supply from the Holidays will keep recyclable prices suppressed but prices should rise again in February as generation reduces.
In these trying economic times, wecontinue to stay on top of trends to deliver you the highest possible price and to provide you with the best service. It is our pleasure to work with you to recycle material and to fulfill Pioneer’s purpose, “Helping People Succeed in a Better Environment.” We appreciate you and thank you for your business.
Stay Safe!
Signature Plates
P.S. – Please note our Holiday schedule below.
Christmas& New Year’s
Both Tacoma and Clackamas areclosed on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, and New Year’s Day January 1, 2024. However, to help with collection during the Holiday season, both plants will be open for receiving on Saturday, December 30, 2023, and Saturday, January 6, 2024.