The Ultimate Guide to Stretch Film Recycling in Warehouses

You see it every day in your warehouse; but if you're tossing your stretch film in the trash and not engaging in a stretch film recycling program, you're literally throwing money away. Fortunately, the experts at AAA Polymer are here to help with an intuitive Guide to Stretch Film Recycling in Warehouses. Continue reading to learn more about stretch film recycling for your warehouse.

Identifying Recyclable Stretch Film

Did you know stretch wrap or stretch film may be the most valuable recyclable material in your distribution center or warehouse?

Stretch film or stretch wrap is typically made up of low density polyethylene (LDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). The majority of stretch film is used to wrap pallets of products being shipped to your warehouse/distribution center (W/DC).

In general, there are two different types of recyclable stretch film:

Why Create a Stretch Film Recycling Program?

Did you know that only 5.4% of plastic wrap is actually recovered through stretch film recycling?

By simply removing the plastic scrap from your trash, you can help the environment as well as your bottom line. On one hand, you can reduce the cost of trash disposal, which is a fixed charge every time your trash bins are picked up. The site of disposal also charges a "per ton" tipping fee, which can be anywhere from $20 up to $100 a ton — based on where you live. Let's look at real world example:

Starting a Stretch Film Recycling Program

Did you know single-use products like plastic stretch film accounts for 25% of the total volume in plastics?

If you're interested in starting a stretch film recycling program, the experts at AAA Polymer will help. As a simple and hassle-free process, here's how it works:

1. AAA Polymer will conduct a free onsite survey of your warehouse.
2. You'll be assigned a single point of contact at AAA Polymer to ensure you get the most from your stretch film recycling program.
3. We’ll provide guidance and assistance in the installation of bailing machines, suggesting the best locations for effectiveness.
4. Once you have a full load or partial load of plastic stretch film recyclables, we will return to pick up the film.
5. We transport the recyclable stretch film back to our facility for processing and weighing.
6. Finally, we pay you market value for your recycled plastic.

You can receive documentation of the destruction of your recyclables with our Certified Destruction Program.

Getting the Most from the Stretch Film Recycling Program

It's estimated recycling 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop computer for more than 24 hours. How much energy can your facility save through a stretch film recycling program?

One of the most critical components of your stretch film recycling program is the design. We’ll apply our decades of experience to ensure your program is as effective and engaging as possible. We will also help you keep your staff educated, so everyone involved in the program will know the best practices to maximize your returns. And there are several ways we can positively influence the design.

Outside Vendor Education & Quality Control

We always suggest our clients speak to their vendors to inform them of the plastics recycling program and ways they can help make it as successful as possible, such as:

Tips for Your Warehouse

There are also several things you can do inside of your facility to increase the success of your stretch wrap recycling program, including:

Your Employees Are Critical

Did you know when you send your plastic stretch film to landfills, it can stay there for almost half a century — that's 450 years — before it degrades?

Your employees are critical to the success of the program, holding the keys to success. As a result, it makes dollars and sense to ensure they understand the importance.