PE Clear Film (Grade B)

This specification provides industry-developed guidelines for recycling market acceptance of this baled commodity. It is not intended to replace the specifications of individual buyers that may allow or prohibit different contents or bale sizes. It provides a benchmark for sellers for producing quality recycled plastic baled commodities.

Description: Any mix of polyethylene film, Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) or Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), totaling at least 80% clear or natural polyethylene film that has met its intended use generated from commercial sources is acceptable. Films may be coded with ASTM D7611 resin identification code “#4, LDPE/LLDPE.” Up to 20% colored and printed polyethylene film is acceptable.

* Total contamination should not exceed 10% by weight. Contamination exceeding 10% may reduce bale value. The lower the % of contamination the higher the value of the bale; higher levels of contamination is potential for downgrade or rejection.

ALLOWABLE CONTAMINANTS AT LOW LEVELS: These contaminants are tolerable at low levels. None of the following individual contaminants should exceed 2%, by weight, unless noted otherwise. Excessive levels may reduce bale value. § HDPE (#2) film (10% allowable) § Labels § Plastic strapping and rubber bands § Rigid or foam PE (HDPE #2 or LDPE #4) § Loose paper, cardboard (OCC), including cardboard endcaps § Moisture residues

CONTAMINANTS NOT ALLOWED: If present, these contaminants may result in rejection. § Any non-PE films, metallized, or multi-material pouches § PE film packaging exposed to hazardous materials, such as flammable, corrosive or reactive products, pesticides or herbicides § Silicone coated film § Film with oxo or bio-degradable additives, PVDC layers, or acrylic coatings § Any rigid plastic bottle, container or packaging including PET (#1), HDPE (#2), PVC (#3), PP (#5), PS (#6), Other (#7) and compostable plastic (e.g., PLA and PHA) § Any bulky rigid plastic § Any non-PE plastic foam § Food waste § Free-flowing liquids § Textiles § Metal, Wood, Glass § Batteries § Electronics scrap, including items with circuit boards or battery packs § Bio-Medical waste/items (e.g., syringes, sharps, gloves, masks) § Rocks, stones, mud, oils, grease Variation: PE Film (Grade C) would be any mix of clear/natural, color or printed polyethylene film, LowDensity Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) and/or High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Films may be coded with ASTM D7611 resin identification code “#4, LDPE/LLDPE” or “#2, HDPE.” There is a wide variability of what is sold under this specification, which could include a high level of contamination. Buyers and sellers should be very explicit about their requirements and offerings.

IMPORTANT: Any plastic item that previously contained or contacted any hazardous or potentially hazardous material, including needles should be strictly avoided. Many purchasers reject an entire load if any of the above materials are found and return them at the supplier’s expense.

Bale Size/Minimum Shipping Weight/ Tare Weight: Approximately 30"x 42"x 48" or 30"x 48"x 60". Bale sizes should allow a minimum of 38,000 pounds to be shipped on 53 foot trailer. Individual companies may apply price deductions for shipments that do not meet their minimum weight requirements. A tare weight of 8 pounds per bale may be taken from the gross weight.

Bale Density: 15lbs/ft3 or the minimum to achieve 38,000 pounds in a trailer load. Bale Integrity: Bale integrity must be maintained throughout loading, shipping, unloading and storage. Bale Wire: Bales should be held together with 10-12 gauge, non-corrosive galvanized metal wire and with all bale wires wrapped in one direction (crisscrossing or double strapping should be pre approved by the buyer before shipping). A minimum number of bale wires should be used to maintain bale integrity. This number will vary with bale size and density.

Storage: Bales should be stored, with the bottom bale on a pallet, 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