This model, as approved by APR, are not meant to replace the specifications of individual buyers, many of whom may have different “allowables” in terms of contents and bale sizes. Rather, the model is meant to provide a benchmark to suppliers, indicating that HDPE bottle bales produced to this model will be well accepted by APR members.
POST-CONSUMER, UNPIGMENTED ("NATURAL") HDPE BALE MODEL SPECIFICATION
Acceptable Materials: HDPE "Natural" Bales
Any whole, blow-molded, high density polyethylene bottle containing the
Society of the Plastics Industry’s “#2, HDPE” resin identification code that
is unpigmented and translucent, and was generated from a curbside, dropoff, or other public or private recycling collection program.
Bottles are defined as containers that have a neck or mouth that is smaller than the base.
All bottles should be free of contents or free flowing liquids, rinsed, and have closures (caps, lids, and rings) removed to the greatest extent possible.
Post-consumer is defined as “used for its intended purpose and otherwise directed to disposal”.
Pigmented white and yellow HDPE milk jugs and bottles
are considered to be contaminants in this category.
ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF CONTAMINANTS:
The following list of contaminants should not exceed a total of 10% by weight:
- Pigmented HDPE (#2) bottles (2% maximum allowed),
- Injection-molded HDPE (#2) base cups, tubs, pails, buckets, other wide-mouthed containers or non-bottle HDPE (#2) materials (2% maximum allowed),
- Any non-HDPE rigid plastic containers or packaging, including PET (#1), PVC (#3), LDPE (#4), PP (#5), PS (#6), Other (#7) (2% maximum allowed)
- Caps, closures, rings (2% maximum allowed),
- Metals (ferrous and non-ferrous), paper/cardboard (2% maximum allowed),
- Liquid residues (2% maximum allowed).
THE TOTAL MAXIMUM LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION SHOULD NOT
EXCEED 10% BY WEIGHT
Technically Undesirable Contaminants
THE FOLLOWING CONTAMINANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY LEVEL:
- Any plastic bags, toys, or film made from HDPE (#2), LDPE (#4), or any other plastic resin
- Wood
- Glass
- Oils and Grease
- Rocks, stones, mud, dirt
- Medical and hazardous waste
In addition, any plastic container that previously contained any hazardous or potentially hazardous material, including but not limited to chemical agricultural products, pesticides, herbicides, waste oil, paint, medical products (drugs, IV solutions, syringes/hypodermic needles, sharps), flammable, corrosive or reactive liquids, grease and solvents are expressly prohibited. This rule applies even if the aforementioned material was not the original contents of the container. (Suppliers must certify that the bales they supply do not contain the above prohibited materials).
Many purchasers will reject an entire load if any of the above materials are found and will return them at the supplier’s expense.
| Bale Size | 30"x42"x 48" or 30"x48"x 60", i.e. Bale Sizes should allow a minimum of 35,000 pounds to be shipped on 48 foot trailer, which is an industry standard. Individual companies may apply price deductions for shipments that do not meet minimum weight requirements. |
|---|---|
| Bale Density | 15-20 lbs/ft3 |
| Bale Wire | Bales should be held together with 10-12 gauge, noncorrosive galvanized metal wire (or other non-corrosive strapping), with all bale wires wrapped in one direction (no criss-crossing or double-strapping). A minimum number of bale wires should be used to maintain bale integrity. This number will vary with bale size and density. |
| Bale Tare Weight | A tare weight of 8 pounds per bale will be taken from the gross weight. |
| Bale Integrity | Bale integrity must be maintained throughout loading, shipping, unloading and storage. |
| Minimum Shipping Weight | 35,000 lbs. |
| Storage | Bales should be stored indoors or covered outdoors. Material must not be stored outdoors uncovered for a period exceeding four (4) weeks to prevent UV degradation from direct sunlight and moisture contamination. |
POST-CONSUMER, PIGMENTED ("COLORED") HDPE BALE MODEL SPECIFICATION
Acceptable Materials - HDPE "Colored" Bales
Any whole, blow-molded, high density polyethylene bottle containing the Society of the Plastics Industry’s “#2, HDPE” resin identification code that is pigmented and opaque, and was generated from a curbside, drop-off, or other public or private recycling collection program.
Bottles are defined as containers that have a neck or mouth that is smaller than the base.
All bottles should be free of contents or free flowing liquids, rinsed and have closures (caps, lids, and rings) removed to the greatest extent possible.
Post-consumer is defined as “used for its intended purpose and otherwise directed to disposal”.
- Pigmented HDPE motor oil and other automotive fluid containers may be prohibited by some purchasers.
- Pigmented PET bottles may be prohibited by some purchasers.
- All suppliers must check with HDPE purchasers to determine the levels and conditions under which automotive fluid containers will be accepted.
Acceptable Levels of Contaminants
Individual contaminants shall not exceed the following levels by weight:
- Unpigmented (natural) HDPE (#2) bottles (2% maximum allowed),
- HDPE (#2) motor oil or other automotive fluid bottles (may vary with purchaser),
- Injection-molded HDPE (#2) flowerpots, tubs, pails, buckets, other wide-mouthed containers or non-bottle HDPE (#2) materials (2% maximum),
- Any non-HDPE rigid plastic containers or packaging, including PET (#1), PVC (#3), LDPE (#4), PP (#5), PS (#6), Other (#7) (2% maximum)
- Caps, closures, rings (2% maximum),
- Metals (ferrous and non-ferrous), paper/cardboard (2% maximum),
- Liquid residues (2% maximum allowed).
THE TOTAL MAXIMUM LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION SHALL NOT EXCEED 10% BY WEIGHT
Contaminants to Be Avoided
THE FOLLOWING CONTAMINANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY LEVEL:
- Any plastic bags, toys, or film made from HDPE (#2),
- LDPE (#4), or any other plastic resin
- Wood
- Glass
- Oils and Grease
- Rocks, stones, mud, dirt
- Medical and hazardous waste
In addition, any plastic container that previously contained any hazardous or potentially hazardous material, including but not limited to chemical agricultural products, pesticides, herbicides, waste oil, paint, medical products (drugs, IV solutions, syringes/hypodermic needles, sharps), flammable, corrosive or reactive liquids, grease and solvents are expressly prohibited. This rule applies even if the aforementioned material was not the original contents of the container. (Suppliers must certify that the bales they supply do not contain the above prohibited materials).
Many purchasers will reject an entire load if any of the above materials are found and will return them at the supplier’s expense.
| Bale Size | 30"x42"x 48" or 30"x48"x 60", i.e. Bale Sizes should allow a minimum of 35,000 pounds to be shipped on 48 foot trailer, which is an industry standard. |
|---|---|
| Bale Density | 15-20 lbs/ft3 |
| Bale Wire | Bales should be held together with 10-12 gauge, non-corrosive galvanized metal wire (or other non-corrosive strapping), with all bale wires wrapped in one direction (no criss-crossing or double-strapping). A minimum number of bale wires should be used to maintain bale integrity. This number will vary with bale size and density. |
| Bale Tare Weight | A tare weight of 8 pounds per bale is allowed. |
| Bale Integrity | Bale integrity must be maintained throughout loading, shipping, unloading and storage. |
| Minimum Shipping Weight | 35,000 lbs. Individual companies may apply price deductions for shipments that do not meet minimum weight requirements. |
| Storage | Bales should be stored indoors or covered outdoors. Material must not be stored outdoors uncovered for a period exceeding four (4) weeks to prevent UV degradation from direct sunlight and moisture contamination. |