Update: The domestic plastic recyclables market

We understand that you have questions about how plastic recyclables are impacted by changes in the commodities markets. Recent import restrictions imposed by China resulted in a dramatic decrease of prices for commodities, but the domestic plastic market remains strong.

Montgomery County’s plastics are sold on the domestic recycling market to a variety of vendors. In most cases, the plastic is sent to a mill, which will process the plastic into flakes or pellets. This material is then used by the mill or sold to manufacturers to produce a final product. A summary of the end market for each commodity is below—actual uses may vary.

For more information on our recycling programs, visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/recycling.