Recyclate values return to pre-recession levels

In Q3 2008, at the height of the recession, values for recyclates slumped after demand at home and abroad dried-up (see Remsol article of 21/10/2008 here).

After a year of uncertainty and rock-bottom prices, with UK mills paying just £1 per tonne for mixed paper, it seems that rates have at last recovered.

Although waste producers will be hoping to see the benefits, this may not happen immediately - if at all.  

Despite the higher recyclate values now available, many recycling operators have come to realise that the old business model of offering free or heavily subsidised collections cannot be sustained in the long-term and that, from now on, it may be necessary to charge for recycling and preparatory processing.

It remains to be seen how today's supply-and-demand economics will play out, and whether current recyclate values will be sustained.

If you have waste that you'd like to recycle, contact us to find out how we can help.