Large-Scale HDPE Pipe Decommissioning & Recycling — Pennsylvania — 397.5 Tons

Flipping Iron Inc. was contracted to decommission and recycle a large stockpile of HDPE pipe at a manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. Over 22 working days, the team handled 795,000 pounds (397.5 tons) of pipe, including sections up to 30 inches in diameter, 50 feet long, and 3 inches thick. Every pound was prepared to the customer's decommissioning specifications, loaded, and shipped out for recycling in 21 outbound truckloads.

The challenge

HDPE pipe in these sizes is difficult to handle. A 50-foot section of 30-inch-diameter, 3-inch-wall pipe weighs several tons, which rules out standard forklifts and requires specialized lifting and material-handling equipment. The customer also had specific decommissioning requirements, so the pipe had to be prepared to specification before it could be loaded — and the work had to happen without disrupting the facility's operations.

What Flipping Iron did

• Decommissioned and prepared the pipe to the customer's requirements using specialized material-handling equipment and an on-site crew

• Loaded and coordinated 21 outbound truckloads for transport to recycling

• Completed the project in 22 working days

• Removed all designated material, cleaned the work area, and demobilized equipment and crew

The numbers

• Total weight: 795,000 lbs — 795,000÷2,000=397.5795,000÷2,000=397.5 tons

• Truckloads: 21, averaging 795,000÷21≈37,857795,000÷21≈37,857 lbs (about 18.9 tons) per load

• Largest pipe: 30-inch diameter × 50 feet long × 3-inch wall

• Timeline: October 6 – November 4, 2026 (22 working days)

The outcome

All designated material was removed and directed to recycling, the work area was left clean, and the crew and equipment were fully demobilized on schedule. The customer's site was returned to normal operation with no material left behind.

Project highlights

397.5 tons handled · 21 truckloads · 22 working days · 100% of designated material removed

About Flipping Iron Inc.

Flipping Iron Inc. is an industrial solutions company headquartered in Bakersfield, California. Founded by Theron Smith, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience, the company provides agricultural plastic recycling, mobile shredding, logging and baler services, demolition, equipment removal, site cleanup, and processing of decommissioned wind turbine blades. Flipping Iron serves agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, and waste and recycling customers throughout California, and its mobile equipment can travel anywhere in the continental United States for larger or specialized projects. Call (661) 426-1126 or visit flippingironinc.com/contact to get started.