Fact Check: Plastic prices plummeted from 75 cents to 50 cents per kilogram in two months.

Fact Check: "Plastic prices plummeted from 75 cents to 50 cents per kilogram in two months."

What We Know

The claim that plastic prices dropped from 75 cents to 50 cents per kilogram is supported by a report from a Colombian waste picker, who stated that the price his association receives for recycling plastic fell from about 75 U.S. cents to 50 cents. This drop in price reflects a significant decrease in the compensation for recycled plastic materials, which has been a concern for many in the recycling industry (source-2).

Additionally, a broader analysis of plastic prices indicates a general trend of declining values in the recycling market. For instance, the national average price of post-consumer natural HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) has reportedly fallen from 88.56 cents to 69.44 cents per pound over the past month, which translates to a decrease of approximately 22% (source-4). However, this report does not directly confirm the specific price drop mentioned in the claim.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from a single anecdotal source, which may not represent the overall market trends accurately. While the reported drop from 75 cents to 50 cents is indeed significant, it is important to consider the context and the variability in plastic pricing across different regions and types of plastic. The price of recycled plastics can fluctuate based on numerous factors, including demand, local market conditions, and the specific type of plastic being recycled.

The broader data on plastic prices indicates a downward trend, particularly for certain types of plastics like HDPE and polypropylene (PP). The reported declines of 32% for HDPE and 56% for PP over the past two months suggest that while prices are indeed falling, the specific figures in the claim may not be universally applicable across all types of plastics or regions (source-4).

Moreover, the reliability of the source reporting the price drop (the Colombian waste picker) could be questioned, as it is based on personal testimony rather than a comprehensive market analysis. The broader market reports from recycling industry experts provide a more nuanced view of the situation, indicating that while prices are falling, the extent and specifics of those drops can vary significantly.

Conclusion

The claim that plastic prices plummeted from 75 cents to 50 cents per kilogram in two months is Partially True. While there is evidence of a significant price drop reported by a waste picker, this figure may not represent the entire market or all types of plastics. The overall trend in the recycling market shows declining prices, but the specifics of the claim should be viewed with caution due to potential variability and the anecdotal nature of the source.

Sources

1. Campus Virtual - UCM - Universidad Complutense de Madrid
2. Colombian waste pickers inundate iconic Bogota square with plastic bottles to protest falling wages
3. Campus Virtual y Docencia en línea | Campus Virtual - UCM
4. Curbside plastic values continue precipitous drop
5. Campus Virtual | Servicios Informáticos - UCM
6. PP Plastic Price: What Are The Changes in 2025?
7. PACV-Portal de Acceso al Campus Virtual - UCM
8. How the 2025 Tariffs Will Impact Plastic Prices