Homes generate a variety of waste materials that can be recycled and sold as scrap. From old newspapers and plastic containers to worn-out electronics and furniture, many common household items can be repurposed for cash. Selling home scrap not only helps reduce waste but also contributes to the recycling industry. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of scrap materials generated in homes, their market prices, and tips on how to sell them for the best value.
| Category | Scrap Item | Unit of Measurement | Current Scrap Rate (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stationery | Newspapers | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹15 |
| Stationery | Magazines | Per Kilogram | ₹15 - ₹20 |
| Stationery | Old Books | Per Kilogram | ₹14 - ₹20 |
| Stationery | School Books | Per Kilogram | ₹15 - ₹20 |
| Plastic & Paper | Cardboard Packaging | Per Kilogram | ₹17 - ₹23 |
| Plastic & Paper | Plastic Bottles (PET) | Per Kilogram | ₹20 - ₹25 |
| Plastic & Paper | Plastic Bags (LDPE) | Per Kilogram | ₹15 - ₹25 |
| Plastic & Paper | Plastic Containers (HDPE) | Per Kilogram | ₹26 - ₹30 |
| Metal | Aluminum Cans | Per Kilogram | ₹180 - ₹250 |
| Metal | Old Cookware (Metal) | Per Kilogram | ₹60 - ₹90 |
| Metal | Broken Furniture (Metal) | Per Piece | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| Metal | Broken or Unused Tools (Metal) | Per Kilogram | ₹60 - ₹100 |
| Electronics | Old Phones (E-Waste) | Per Unit | ₹300 - ₹800 |
| Electronics | Old Computers (E-Waste) | Per Unit | ₹1,000 - ₹2,500 |
| Electronics | Old Televisions | Per Unit | ₹500 - ₹2,000 |
| Furniture | Wooden Furniture | Per Piece | ₹400 - ₹1,000 |
| Furniture | Wooden Pallets | Per Piece | ₹100 - ₹200 |
| Furniture | Plastic Furniture | Per Piece | ₹100 - ₹250 |
| Furniture | Rolling Chair | Per Piece | ₹300 - ₹600 |
| Miscellaneous | Rubber Tires | Per Unit | ₹200 - ₹500 |
| Miscellaneous | Used Batteries (AA, AAA) | Per Unit | ₹10 - ₹25 |
| Miscellaneous | Car Batteries (Lead-Acid) | Per Unit | ₹1,000 - ₹2,000 |
| Miscellaneous | Glass Bottles | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹15 |
| Miscellaneous | Old Jars (Glass) | Per Kilogram | ₹8 - ₹12 |
Many items in our homes can be sold as scrap. These materials vary from paper products and plastic to metals and old electronics. Let’s take a closer look at the types of scrap commonly generated in homes:
Paper products like newspapers, magazines, old books, and cardboard are some of the most commonly recycled materials found in homes. They can be easily sold for recycling, especially if sorted properly. Some common types of paper scrap include:
Paper scrap is typically priced based on its weight. For instance, newspapers and old books can be sold for ₹10 to ₹20 per kilogram, while cardboard packaging may fetch ₹15 to ₹25 per kilogram.
Plastic scrap is one of the most prevalent forms of waste found in households. Items such as plastic bottles, containers, and bags can be recycled and sold as scrap. Some common types of plastic scrap include:
Plastic prices vary depending on the type and condition of the material. Plastic bottles (PET) generally fetch ₹15 to ₹25 per kilogram, while LDPE plastic bags may be worth ₹10 to ₹20 per kilogram.
Metals, particularly ferrous and non-ferrous metals, are valuable scrap items. Household metal scrap can come from items such as old cookware, broken appliances, and metal furniture. Common types of metal scrap include:
Metal scrap prices fluctuate based on the type and weight. Aluminum cans can fetch ₹50 to ₹70 per kilogram, while stainless steel cookware might be sold for ₹60 to ₹100 per kilogram. Iron scrap typically sells for ₹10 to ₹20 per kilogram.
Old electronics, or e-waste, are some of the most valuable and recyclable scrap items found in homes. Electronics contain precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, making them highly sought after in the scrap market. Common household e-waste items include:
The price of e-waste depends on the condition and type of the electronic item. For example, old computers and laptops can be sold for ₹500 to ₹3,000, while old mobile phones may fetch ₹200 to ₹800 each, depending on their condition.
Glass containers, bottles, and jars are common in most households. Although glass is not as valuable as metals or plastics, it can still be sold as scrap. Some common types of glass scrap include:
Glass scrap is generally priced at ₹5 to ₹15 per kilogram. However, if the glass is in bulk, such as from old bottles, it may be worth more.
Old clothes, worn-out fabric, and textiles often end up as scrap. While these items may not fetch high prices, they are still valuable when recycled, especially fabrics like cotton and polyester. Common textile scraps include:
Textile scrap is usually priced between ₹10 and ₹25 per kilogram, depending on the material and condition. Cotton textiles often fetch higher prices than synthetic materials like polyester.
Selling scrap items from your home is a simple process, but it requires a few steps to ensure you get the best value for your materials. Here’s how you can sell home scrap effectively:
Sorting and cleaning your scrap is essential to get the best price. Separate different types of materials like paper, plastic, metal, and glass. Ensure that items like bottles and cans are rinsed and cleaned, as scrap dealers often prefer clean items to avoid additional processing costs.
Look for a trustworthy scrap dealer or recycling center in your area. It’s essential to find one that specializes in the types of scrap you have. Check for certifications or reviews online to ensure the dealer is legitimate. You can also inquire about their rates to compare with other dealers.
To ensure that you are getting a fair price, contact several scrap dealers and ask for quotes. Prices may vary, so it's worth shopping around to ensure you're receiving competitive offers. Many dealers offer pickup services for larger quantities of scrap, which can be convenient if you have a lot of items to sell.
In some areas, local recycling programs or government initiatives may offer incentives or better rates for recycling home scrap. These programs encourage individuals to recycle more and could be a great option for selling your materials.
If you have small quantities of scrap or valuable items like old electronics or metal, you might also consider selling directly online. Websites like OLX, Quikr, or even Facebook Marketplace can be used to sell scrap items like old phones, used furniture, or electronics.
The demand for home scrap items is steadily increasing as more people become aware of the importance of recycling and reusing materials. With the rise of eco-conscious living and a growing focus on sustainability, many households are actively participating in recycling programs. Metals, plastics, and e-waste are in high demand, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and electronics sectors.
In the case of plastic scrap, for instance, it’s expected that demand will continue to grow as plastic recycling technology improves and the global plastic waste problem intensifies. Similarly, the e-waste sector is also expected to see increased demand due to the rapid pace of technological advancements and the disposal of obsolete electronics.
Selling scrap items from your home is a simple yet effective way to contribute to the environment, reduce waste, and even earn extra cash. From newspapers and plastic bottles to old furniture and electronics, many household items can be sold for recycling. By understanding the types of scrap you have, researching current market prices, and finding a reliable dealer, you can ensure that you get the best value for your home scrap items.
Remember, recycling is not just about earning money—it’s about reducing waste, conserving resources, and helping to protect the planet for future generations.