ISRI endorses revised specs for plastic scrap, glass and inbound materials

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster): The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has given approval to postconsumer plastic scrap specifications. The trade body has also approved Inbound Scrap Specifications and MRF Glass Specifications. The changes are intended to assist members in buying and selling of commodities that are being traded in the marketplace.

ISRI had developed changes to plastics specification after thorough consultation with other industry associations and members belonging to plastic scrap recycling industry. The ISRI’s Plastics Division, in its meeting held Nov 5^th in Salt Lake City, has approved fresh additions, revisions and deletions to the existing plastics scrap specification. This will be later presented to ISRI’s Board of Directors for final approval in April 2017.

New specifications are being added for PET Thermoforms, HDPE Injection Bulky Rigids, Polypropylene Small Rigid Plastic, Polypropylene ALL Rigid Plastic, 1-7 Bottles ALL Rigid Plastic, 3-7 Bottles and ALL Rigid Plastic, PE Retail Mix Film, LDPE Colored Film, LDPE Furniture Mix and PE Clear Film. Also, specifications for Bulky Rigid, Premium Film, A+ Grade Film, A Grade Film, B Grade Film and C Grade Fiilm have been deleted. The specifications for HDPE Natural Bottles and Mixed Bulky Rigids have been revised by keeping the same name. In addition, MRF Film has been renamed to MRF Curbside Film.

The specification has renamed and revised descriptions of certain product categories. The table provided below gives the details of old and new ISRI names.

Also, ISRI’s MRF Council, in its Fall Board and Governance Meetings in early November has approved Inbound Scrap Specifications and MRF Glass Specifications, which will now head to the ISRI Board of Directors.

The MRF Glass specifications intend to help buyers and sellers to develop common understanding about the material. It also details the various factors that help determine the value of the material, along with other details such as acceptable contamination levels etc., The specifications are being developed after consultations with Glass Packaging Institute, ISRI’s MRF members, and other stakeholders. It aims to create specification grade bales of MRF glass that can be bought and sold as a feedstock.

The Inbound Scrap Specifications are being developed to assist MRFs with the difficulties they face in sorting out materials such as glass, aseptic packaging, film, and other materials that are added to curbside collection programs. It is intended to guide municipalities with the right technology to be used to screen out various materials in the most efficient manner.

The recycling body announced that a conference call will be held by Paper and Plastics Division to help members get widespread awareness about the specifications.