How Much is 1 kg Plastic Scrap Worth: Current Rates & Selling Tips
Plastic scrap is one of the most recyclable and versatile materials, playing a crucial role in manufacturing, packaging, and industrial applications. For individuals and businesses alike, turning plastic waste into cash has become an attractive opportunity. A common question is, “How much is 1 kg of plastic scrap worth?” The answer isn’t straightforward, as prices fluctuate depending on the type of plastic, quality, cleanliness, and current market demand.
This guide dives deep into the current 1 kg plastic scrap price, offering a clear understanding of the value of different plastics such as HDPE, PET, LDPE, and PP. You’ll also learn the key factors that affect pricing, such as color, contamination, and regional market trends, as well as practical strategies to sell plastic scrap efficiently. Whether you’re a small recycler or a business managing industrial waste, this guide shows how to maximize returns from plastic scrap while contributing to environmental sustainability. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to evaluate your plastic scrap, find the best buyers, and turn waste into profit.
Current Plastic Scrap Price (2026)
If you’re wondering how much 1 kg of plastic scrap is worth in 2026, it largely depends on the type of plastic, its quality, and how well it’s sorted. Below is a detailed breakdown of common plastics and their market prices in Australia. This gives you a realistic snapshot of potential earnings and helps you plan your recycling or selling strategy effectively.
Plastic Scrap Price Table
| Plastic Type | Price (AUD/kg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) | $0.80 – $1.50 | Common in bottles, milk jugs, and detergent containers. Clean, sorted HDPE is highly sought after by recyclers. |
| PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | $0.70 – $1.40 | Found in water, soda, and juice bottles. Transparent and clean PET typically fetches higher prices. |
| LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) | $0.50 – $1.20 | Includes plastic bags, wraps, and sheets. Bulk, clean LDPE can generate reasonable returns. |
| PP (Polypropylene) | $0.60 – $1.30 | Used in packaging, automotive parts, and disposable containers. Higher-grade PP like caps or industrial scrap is more valuable. |
| Mixed Plastic Scrap | $0.40 – $0.90 | Unsure or mixed plastics fetch lower rates, as sorting adds cost for recyclers. |
Note: Prices fluctuate daily depending on global demand, recycling policies, and collection volumes.
Pricing Insights
Understanding these price ranges can help you maximize your earnings:
- Sorted and Clean Plastics Fetch Higher Rates – Removing labels, contaminants, and non-plastic items increases the value of your scrap.
- Mixed Plastics Reduce Per Kg Price – Selling unsorted plastics is convenient but significantly lowers the per kg rate.
- Global Recycling Demand Drives Price Fluctuations – International markets, especially for PET and HDPE, can cause short-term spikes or dips in local scrap prices.
- Volume Matters – Larger, consistent batches of scrap often attract premium rates from industrial buyers.
- Specialty Plastics Are Premium – Colored HDPE, PP automotive-grade scrap, or food-grade plastics sometimes sell above the standard range.
Factors Affecting Plastic Scrap Value
The value of your plastic scrap depends on several key factors. Understanding these can help you maximize returns per kg and sell more efficiently.
1. Type of Plastic
Not all plastics are created equal when it comes to recycling. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) are the most valuable due to their high demand in manufacturing new bottles, containers, and industrial products.
- HDPE – Common in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and cleaning containers. Clean HDPE can fetch top rates.
- PET – Water and soda bottles are highly recyclable, especially transparent and label-free PET.
In contrast, LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), PP (Polypropylene), and mixed plastics typically have lower resale value because they require extra processing or sorting before reuse. Selling unsorted or low-grade plastics reduces your per kg earnings.
2. Cleanliness & Sorting
The condition of your scrap has a direct impact on price:
- Clean and sorted plastic can increase rates by up to 30–50% because recyclers spend less on washing and sorting.
- Contaminated or mixed plastics with food residue, paper labels, or other non-plastic items lower the value.
Tip: Wash containers, remove caps, and separate plastics by type and color. Even separating HDPE from PET can make a significant difference in the final payout.
3. Quantity & Bulk Selling
Selling in bulk volumes often results in higher rates:
- Large, consistent batches of HDPE or PET attract industrial buyers who prefer less handling.
- Smaller quantities may be accepted by local scrap dealers but often at slightly lower prices per kg.
Example: 100 kg of clean HDPE might sell at $1.40/kg, but selling just 10 kg could only fetch $1.10/kg due to handling costs.
4. Market Demand
Plastic scrap prices are heavily influenced by global and local market trends:
- Global Recycling Trends – PET and HDPE prices rise when international demand for recycled plastics increases.
- Industrial and Manufacturing Demand – Local factories needing plastic for production can drive prices up for specific types.
- Seasonal fluctuations and government policies (like recycling incentives) can also create temporary price spikes or drops.
How to Sell Plastic Scrap
Selling plastic scrap efficiently isn’t just about dropping it off at a recycling center. By following a structured approach, you can maximize your earnings per kg and reduce hassle. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1 – Identify & Sort Plastics
Sorting is the most important step in increasing your plastic scrap value:
- Separate by type: HDPE, PET, LDPE, and PP each have different market values. Keeping them separate ensures you get top rates.
- Remove contaminants: Labels, caps, metals, liquids, and food residues lower the scrap’s value. Even small impurities can reduce your per kg price significantly.
- Color sorting (optional but beneficial): Clear or natural plastics often fetch higher prices than colored plastics because they can be easily remanufactured into new products.
Example: 50 kg of clean, sorted HDPE may sell for $1.40/kg, whereas the same amount of mixed, unsorted plastic might only fetch $0.70–$0.90/kg.
Step 2 – Weigh Accurately
Accurate weight measurement is crucial:
- Use a digital scale for precise readings.
- Record the weight before contacting buyers to avoid disputes.
- Note that moisture or leftover liquids can artificially increase weight but may reduce the buyer’s offer, so ensure plastics are dry.
Step 3 – Compare Buyers
Not all buyers offer the same price, so take time to compare local and online options:
- Local scrap yards and recycling centers: Convenient for small to medium quantities, but prices vary depending on demand in your region.
- Online platforms: Instant quotes and competitive rates. Leading platforms in Australia include:
- Scrap Trade – Offers quick pricing and nationwide buyer connections.
- Scrap Trade Australia – Ideal for bulk sellers and businesses.
- Scrap Trade Now – Fast online quoting and flexible pickup options.
Tip: Getting multiple quotes ensures you’re not underselling your scrap.
Step 4 – Get Quotes & Sell
Once you’ve identified the best buyer:
- Provide accurate weight and type details – This avoids underpayment or disputes.
- Schedule pickup or drop-off – Choose the most convenient and cost-effective method. Bulk pickups can sometimes get free transport.
- Confirm payment before delivery – Ensure payment is verified or agreed upon before handing over your scrap to secure your earnings.
Tips to Maximize Plastic Scrap Value
Maximizing your plastic scrap value isn’t just about collecting waste it’s about preparation, strategy, and timing. These tips help you get the highest price per kg while making the selling process easier and more profitable.
1. Sort Plastics by Type and Remove Contaminants
Sorting is the single most effective way to increase scrap value:
- Separate HDPE, PET, LDPE, and PP plastics, as each type has its own market price.
- Remove labels, caps, adhesives, and foreign materials like metal or paper.
- Clean, label-free plastics can fetch up to 50% higher prices than mixed, dirty plastics.
Example: 100 kg of clean PET bottles can sell for $1.40/kg, whereas the same weight of mixed bottles with caps and labels may only reach $0.80/kg.
2. Sell in Bulk for Better Rates
Volume matters in the scrap business:
- Buyers often pay premium rates for large, consistent batches.
- Small quantities are convenient but may reduce your per kg rate.
- If possible, accumulate scrap over time to reach a more profitable batch size.
3. Track Recycling Market Trends
Plastic scrap prices fluctuate based on global and local market conditions:
- HDPE and PET demand rises when manufacturers need recycled materials for bottles, containers, and industrial products.
- Keep an eye on market reports or scrap platforms to time your sales when prices are higher.
- Government policies, export regulations, and environmental incentives can also impact local pricing.
4. Use Trusted Online Platforms to Compare Buyers
Comparing multiple buyers ensures you don’t undersell your scrap:
- Platforms like Scrap Trade, Scrap Trade Australia, and Scrap Trade Now provide instant quotes and access to multiple buyers.
- Online platforms often offer higher rates than local yards, especially for bulk or industrial-grade plastics.
- Read reviews and verify payment options to avoid scams or delayed payments.
5. Keep Plastics Clean and Dry
Moisture, dirt, and leftover liquids reduce weight and resale value:
- Always rinse containers and remove liquid residues before storage.
- Dry plastics prevent mold growth, foul odors, and extra handling fees for buyers.
- Clean, dry plastics are easier to store, transport, and sell consistently.
FAQs on Plastic Scrap
Here are the most common questions about plastic scrap pricing, selling, and maximizing value:
Q1: How much is 1 kg of plastic scrap worth?
The value of 1 kg of plastic scrap varies depending on the type of plastic, cleanliness, and market demand. In Australia, prices generally range from $0.40 to $1.50 AUD per kg:
- HDPE and PET tend to be at the higher end ($0.80–$1.50/kg).
- LDPE, PP, and mixed plastics usually fall on the lower end ($0.40–$1.20/kg).
- Clean, sorted plastics fetch higher rates than mixed or contaminated materials.
Knowing the current market rates and preparing your scrap properly can help you get the best price.
Q2: Which plastic scrap has the highest value?
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) are the most valuable plastics for recycling:
- HDPE is commonly found in milk jugs, detergent bottles, and industrial containers.
- PET comes from water, soda, and juice bottles, especially transparent bottles.
Both are in high demand for remanufacturing, so clean, sorted batches consistently fetch top rates.
Q3: Can I sell small amounts of plastic scrap?
Yes, small quantities can be sold to local scrap yards or recycling centers. However:
- Bulk shipments usually receive higher per kg pricing because buyers prefer larger, more manageable batches.
- Accumulating scrap over time can help maximize profits and reduce repeated handling.
Even small sellers can benefit from online platforms that connect multiple buyers and offer competitive quotes.
Q4: Is sorting necessary for selling plastic scrap?
Absolutely. Sorting plastics by type and removing contaminants is key to increasing resale value:
- Mixed plastics or dirty scrap lower your per kg rate because recyclers must spend extra time and cost sorting and cleaning.
- Proper sorting can boost your scrap value by up to 50% depending on type and cleanliness.
A simple system of bins for HDPE, PET, LDPE, and PP will streamline sorting and improve buyer confidence.
Q5: Where can I sell plastic scrap safely?
You can sell plastic scrap safely through:
- Local recycling centers and scrap yards – Ideal for small to medium quantities.
