SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): U.S. recycling markets delivered mixed results through September 2026, with recovered paper and metal prices showing resilience while recycled plastics continued to face weak demand. The latest national averages from RecyclingMarkets.net highlight diverging trends across major curbside recyclables.

According to RecyclingMarkets.net, old corrugated containers (OCC) prices climbed to $89.69 per ton, while residential mixed paper (RMP) reached $38.44 per ton as of September 30. Prices of both these commodities nearly doubled from the beginning of the year.

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Metal markets also remained firm. Aluminum can prices reached 96.56 cents per pound, equivalent to approximately $1,931.20 per ton, while steel cans averaged $197.81 per ton. The market supply remained tight on account of disruptions in Gulf aluminum production. Meanwhile, the planned opening of Novelis’ Bay Minette, Alabama, facility in 2027 is expected to strengthen domestic demand for used beverage cans (UBCs).

Plastic recovery markets witnessed a mixed trend. Natural high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fell to 40.25 cents per pound, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dropped to just 2.55 cents. Color HDPE rose to 8.53 cents per pound, and polypropylene (PP) reached 7.13 cents.

Looking ahead, paper prices could benefit from holiday packaging demand before weakening during December maintenance shutdowns. Aluminum and steel can prices are expected to remain relatively stable. Plastic prices face greater uncertainty, mainly due to virgin resin costs, import competition and recycled-content demand.