The approved plastic scrap specifications, developed in coordination with the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), are as follows: 

Bale specifications: HDPE coloured bottles

Any whole, blow-molded, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle containing the ASTM D7611 “#2, HDPE” resin identification code that is pigmented and opaque, and was generated from a curbside, drop-off, or other public or private recycling collection program. Bottles are defined as containers that have a neck or mouth that is smaller than the base. All bottles should be free of contents or free flowing liquids and direction should be provided to consumers to empty and rinse containers. While including closures (caps, lids, and rings) on bottles is acceptable, removal of closures is also acceptable. Loose caps and closures should not be added to the bale. Product: Polyethylene Bottles Source: Post-consumer material collected primarily from residential sources, may also include some material that has met its intended use from commercial establishments

Total contamination should not exceed 5% by weigh

Bale specification: PET bottles (No PET Thermoforms)

Any whole polyethylene terephthalate (PET) postconsumer bottle or jar with a screw-neck top that contains the ASTM D7611 “#1, PET or PETE” resin identification code and that is clear, transparent green, or transparent light blue. All bottles should be free of contents or free flowing liquids. Closures (caps, lids, rings, and labels) may be left on bottles. Product: Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottles Source: Post-consumer material collected primarily from residential sources, may also include some material that has met its intended use from commercial establishments. 

Bale specifications: HDPE natural bottles

Any whole, blow-moulded, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle containing the ASTM D7611 “#2, HDPE” resin identification code that is unpigmented, and was generated from a curbside, drop-off, or other public or private recycling collection program. Bottles are defined as containers that have a neck or mouth that is smaller than the base.

Product: Polyethylene Bottles Source: Post-consumer material collected primarily from residential sources, may also include some material that has met its intended use from commercial establishments. All bottles should be free of contents or free flowing liquids and direction should be provided to encourage consumers to empty and rinse containers. While including closures (caps, lids, and rings) on bottles is acceptable, removal of closures is also acceptable. Loose caps and closures should not be added to the bale.

Bale specifications: HDPE injection bulky rigid plastics

Any injection grade high density polyethylene (#2 HDPE) rigid plastic, typically found to be wide mouthed containers and/or oversized items generated through a positive sort from curbside, drop-off or other public or private recycling collection program. Examples include carts, crates, buckets, baskets, or other large all injection HDPE items. Small injection molded containers are acceptable. Pallets or other injection molded large items from commercial sources can be included. Metal such as axels and bolts must be removed. Buckets/pails with metal handles and all HDPE plastic toys without metal rods or screws are acceptable. Blow molded containers of any size should not be included (e.g., 55-gallon drums or 2 gl syrup containers). Product: Buckets, Pails, Oversized Rigid Plastics Source: Post-consumer material collected primarily from residential sources, may also include some material that has met its intended use from commercial establishments.

Total contamination should not exceed 5% by weight

Bale specifications: PET thermoforms

Any whole, extrusion grade, clear or transparent light blue polyethylene terephthalate (PET) postconsumer package labeled with the ASTM D7611 “#1, PET or PETE” resin identification code, not including bottles and jars, but including and not limited to egg cartons, baskets, clamshell containers, cups, lids, cake domes, covers, blister pack without paperboard backing, tubs, deli containers, trays and folded PET sheet containers. All packages should be free of contents or free flowing liquids. Closures (caps, lids, rings, and labels) may be included. All thermoform pieces must be optically sorted (as PET), and no other thermoform shall come from any other sorting stations. (This is specified to prevent lookalike thermoform—PS, PLA, PVC—from being mixed with PET.) Product: Polyethylene Terephthalate Thermoform Plastic Source: Post-consumer material collected primarily from residential sources, may also include some material that has met its intended use from commercial establishments. 

Total contamination should not exceed 6% by weight 

Specification has been given for PE Clear Film (Grade A), Grade B and Grade C types. 

The ISRI Board of Directors also approved the following changes to the Guidelines for Nonferrous Scrap that were approved by the Nonferrous Division on March 20, 2022:

New specifications

Tank aluminium chops and straws  

Shall consist of clean aluminum, chops or straws, free of screening, hair-wire, iron, copper, insulation and other non-metallic items. Must be free of minus 20 mesh material. Must contain 99% aluminium content.

Tease aluminium wire and cable 

Shall consist of new, clean, aluminium wire or cable free from hair wire, ACSR, wire screen, iron, insulation and other non-metallic items. Must contain 99% aluminum content.

Revised specifications

REELS mixed nonferrous wheel weights 

To consist of nonferrous wheel weights that are a minimum of 35% (overall) Nonferrous and no more than 65% Iron (Fe). Anticipated Nonferrous material may be both Lead and Zinc weights. To be free of foreign material. Final material specifications to be determined between buyer and seller.

Tall E.C. aluminium chops and straws

Shall consist of clean, 1350 and/or 1050 alloy, E.C. aluminum, chops or straws, free of screening, hair-wire, iron, copper, insulation and other non-metallic items. Must be free of minus 20 mesh material. Must contain 99.45% aluminum content.

Talon E.C.aluminium wire and cable 

Shall consist of new, clean, 1350 and/or 1050, E.C. aluminum wire or cable free from hair wire, ACSR, wire screen, tape, iron, insulation and other non-metallic items. Must contain 99.45% aluminum content.

More information about the rules governing the procedures from the addition, amendment, or withdrawal of ISRI’s scrap specifications can be found in the Scrap Specifications Circular.

According to the statement, any party may appeal the Board’s decision on or before 30 days following the announcement. Said appeal shall state the reason for the appeal and the requested action to be taken. Submissions may be sent to ISRI Chief Economist Joe Pickard.