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Recycling on the web

There are now several sites cropping up on the web where packagers and package manufacturers alike can either source or recycle scrap packaging materials.

American Plastics Exchange
American Plastics Exchange

Smurfit Recycling Co., which claims to be the world's largest collector and marketer of recycled paper, now also buys scrap aluminum, steel, plastic and glass. If you have such materials to discard and would like to see what SRC will pay you, point your browser to j-src.com/mms (no "www" in front).

There's nothing glitzy about the site itself; you just fill out a simple form indicating the material you have to sell, note whether it's densified, baled or loose, and specify the quantity in tons. After clicking a send button, users are informed that a Smurfit representative will be in touch with a quote. Rocket science it ain't, but it's fast, simple and convenient.

While the service is geared towards buying scrap from material recovery facilities across the country, a Smurfit spokesperson told PW that packagers can also use the site to unload scrap or unuseable packaging materials.

If you're just looking to recycle steel-food cans, drums, or other steel materials-tap into the Steel Recycling Institute's comprehensive national database of steel recovery facilities at www.recycle-steel.org. Simply fill out a form with your name and address, and within minutes a list of facilities in your area will be delivered via e-mail.

Of course, if plastics is your game, you'll want to check out the American Plastics Exchange at www.apexq.com. This site, which bills itself as the largest database in the world for buyers and sellers of scrap plastic and surplus resin, gives a complete rundown on current prices for a wide variety of resins, including the current quantity available, in tons.

There's a catch: for names and phone numbers of sellers, you have to pay a fee for web, fax or phone delivery.

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