MRP: Post Consumer Bulky Rigid Plastic
MRP – Mixed Rigid Plastic – is composed of bulky rigid plastics discarded by residents into the municipal waste stream. These include HDPE Buckets, Crates, Totes, Trays, Pet Carriers, Laundry Baskets and Lawn Furniture. This grade is also commonly known as “BRP – Bulky Rigid Plastic”.
MRP Components of this grade are often not part of a recycling program and not officially accepted however end up at the MRF anyway, forcing the sorting facilities to deal with them. Rather than pay to landfill this valuable resource, MRFs started baling it and selling it to companies like Scrap Management for sorting, washing, and grinding.
Value is based on yield and labor. A bale with bigger pieces, less residue, and no noticeable contaminants always will command a higher price, as a processor can produce a higher yield and use less labor. Processors compete more aggressively on clean MRP because it is less of a quality risk. As well, clean MRP can be converted more quickly, resulting in quicker cash turnover than lower grades.
Color also plays a role. Bales with more black are considered lower value, even if they’re clean and uniform. The regrind they yield is of lower value to end users in light of the limited applications for black plastics.
