This model, as approved by APR, are not meant to replace the specifications of individual buyers, many of whom may have different “allowables” in terms of contents and bale sizes. Rather, the model is meant to provide a benchmark to suppliers, indicating that PET bottle bales produced to this model will be well accepted by APR members.
Acceptable Materials - PET "Curbside" Bales
Any whole polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle with a screw-neck top that does not have a built-in handle and contains the Society of the Plastics Industry’s “#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, rinsed and have closures (caps, lids, and rings) removed to the greatest extent possible.
Post-consumer is defined as “used for its intended purpose and otherwise directed to disposal”.
Acceptable Levels of Contaminants
- THE TOTAL MAXIMUM LEVEL OF CONTAMINATION SHALL NOT EXCEED 4%BY WEIGHT
- NO MORE THAN 2%BY WEIGHT OF ANY OF FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL CONTAMINANTS WILL BE ALLOWED:
- HDPE (#2) Rigid Plastic Containers
- LDPE (#4) Rigid Plastic Containers
- PP (#5) Rigid Plastic Containers
- Other Colored PET Containers
- Aluminum
- Metal containers or cans
- Paper or cardboard
- Liquid residues, primarily water (2% maximum allowed).
NO PVC AS (#3) PLASTIC CONTAINERS AND CAP LINERS AND LABELS AND TAMPER-PROOF SEALS WILL BE ALLOWED
Contaminants to Be Avoided
THE FOLLOWING CONTAMINANTS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY LEVEL AND SHOULD NEVER BE INCLUDED IN BALES:
- Plastic microwave trays, dishes, bakery trays, covers, deli containers, drink cups and clamshell containers.
- PVC in any form
- Chemically incompatible low temperature melting materials, including PS (#6) plastic as rigid or foam in any product and PLA plastic.
- Chemically compatible low temperature melting materials, such as PETG
- Any plastic bags or plastic film
- Wood, glass, oils and grease
- Rocks, stones, mud, dirt
- Medical and hazardous waste
In addition, any plastic container that previously contained any hazardous or potentially hazardous material, including but not limited to chemical agricultural products, pesticides, herbicides, automotive fluids, waste oil, paint, medical products (drugs, IV solutions, syringes/hypodermic needles, sharps), flammable, corrosive or reactive liquids, grease and solvents are expressly prohibited. This rule applies even if the aforementioned material was not the original contents of the container. (Suppliers must certify that the bales they supply do not contain the above prohibited materials). Entire loads may be rejected if any of the above materials are found and loads returned at the supplier’s expense.
| Bale Size | Approximately 30"x42"x 48", i.e. bale sizes should allow a minimum of 35,000 pounds to be shipped on 48 foot trailer. |
|---|---|
| Bale Density | 15-18 lbs/ft3 |
| Bale Wire | Bales should be held together with 10-12 gauge, noncorrosive galvanized metal wire (or other non-corrosive strapping), with all bale wires wrapped in one direction (no criss-crossing or double-strapping). A minimum number of bale wires should be used to maintain bale integrity. This number will vary with bale size and density. |
| Bale Tare Weight | A tare weight of nominally 8 pounds per bale is allowed. |
| Bale Integrity | Bale integrity must be maintained throughout loading, shipping, unloading and storage. |
| Minimum Shipping Weight | 35,000 lbs. Individual companies may apply price deductions for shipments that do not meet minimum weight requirements. |
| Storage | Bales should be stored indoors or covered outdoors. Material must not be stored outdoors uncovered for a period exceeding two (2) weeks to prevent UV degradation from direct sunlight and moisture contamination. |