Scrap materials from various industries, including metal, plastic, wood, and electronics, play a crucial role in the recycling economy. These items can often be sold for scrap to manufacturers, recycling centers, or even directly to scrap dealers, contributing to both environmental sustainability and potential profit. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of scrap materials generated in industries, their market rate / Price list, and tips on how to sell them for the best value.
| Category | Scrap Item | Unit of Measurement | Current Scrap Rate (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrous Metal | Iron Scrap (Ferrous) | Per Kilogram | ₹20 - ₹30 |
| Ferrous Metal | Steel Scrap (Ferrous) | Per Kilogram | ₹25 - ₹40 |
| Ferrous Metal | Cast Iron Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹15 - ₹25 |
| Ferrous Metal | Stainless Steel Scrap (304) | Per Kilogram | ₹120 - ₹200 |
| Ferrous Metal | Stainless Steel Scrap (316) | Per Kilogram | ₹160 - ₹250 |
| Ferrous Metal | HMS (Heavy Melting Steel) | Per Kilogram | ₹25 - ₹40 |
| Ferrous Metal | Scrap Iron Plates | Per Kilogram | ₹20 - ₹30 |
| Ferrous Metal | Scrap Steel Rods | Per Kilogram | ₹30 - ₹50 |
| Ferrous Metal | Scrap Nails (Iron) | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹20 |
| Ferrous Metal | Old Iron Pipes | Per Kilogram | ₹20 - ₹35 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Aluminum Scrap (Non-Ferrous) | Per Kilogram | ₹110 - ₹150 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Copper Scrap (Non-Ferrous) | Per Kilogram | ₹350 - ₹450 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Brass Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹250 - ₹350 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Lead Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹80 - ₹120 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Bronze Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹250 - ₹350 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Nickel Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹700 - ₹900 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Zinc Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹60 - ₹100 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Aluminum Cans (Crushed) | Per Kilogram | ₹60 - ₹100 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Aluminum Wheels | Per Kilogram | ₹90 - ₹130 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Aluminum Wire Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹100 - ₹150 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Brass Radiators | Per Kilogram | ₹300 - ₹400 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Scrap Copper Wires | Per Kilogram | ₹350 - ₹500 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Copper Pipes | Per Kilogram | ₹300 - ₹450 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Mixed Metal Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹40 - ₹70 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Aluminum Sheets | Per Kilogram | ₹50 - ₹80 |
| Non-Ferrous Metal | Aluminum Extrusions | Per Kilogram | ₹80 - ₹120 |
| Battery | Lead Acid Batteries | Per Unit | ₹1,200 - ₹2,500 |
| Battery | Alkaline Batteries | Per Unit | ₹3 - ₹8 |
| Electronics | Old Computers (E-Waste) | Per Unit | ₹1,500 - ₹3,500 |
| Electronics | Old Monitors | Per Unit | ₹200 - ₹1,000 |
| Electronics | Old Laptops (E-Waste) | Per Unit | ₹800 - ₹3,000 |
| Electronics | Old Televisions | Per Unit | ₹500 - ₹1,500 |
| Plastic | Plastic Scrap (PET) | Per Kilogram | ₹25 - ₹45 |
| Plastic | Plastic Scrap (LDPE) | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹20 |
| Plastic | Plastic Scrap (HDPE) | Per Kilogram | ₹25 - ₹40 |
| Plastic | Plastic Scrap (PVC) | Per Kilogram | ₹15 - ₹30 |
| Wood | Wood Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹25 |
| Wood | Firewood Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹5 - ₹15 |
| Wood | Plywood Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹20 - ₹40 |
| Wood | Pallet (Pine Wood) | Per Piece | ₹100 - ₹300 |
| Glass | Glass Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹5 - ₹15 |
| Glass | Glass Bottles | Per Kilogram | ₹8 - ₹20 |
| Furniture | Old Furniture Scrap | Per Piece | ₹200 - ₹1,500 |
| Rubber | Rubber Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹20 |
| Paper | Cardboard Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹8 - ₹20 |
| Textile | Textile Scrap (Cotton) | Per Kilogram | ₹20 - ₹40 |
| Textile | Textile Scrap (Polyester) | Per Kilogram | ₹15 - ₹30 |
| Textile | Used Clothing (Bulk) | Per Kilogram | ₹10 - ₹25 |
| Wires & Cables | Electrical Wires Scrap | Per Kilogram | ₹40 - ₹80 |
| Wires & Cables | Telephone Cables | Per Kilogram | ₹30 - ₹60 |
| Wires & Cables | Coaxial Cables | Per Kilogram | ₹50 - ₹100 |
| Wires & Cables | Aluminum Wires | Per Kilogram | ₹100 - ₹150 |
Scrap materials are categorized based on their composition and properties. The most common categories of industrial scrap include metals, plastics, wood, and e-waste. Let’s take a closer look at the types of scrap generated in industrial environments:
Ferrous metals are the most common scrap items found in industries. These metals contain iron, and they include materials like steel, cast iron, and stainless steel. The market for ferrous scrap is strong due to the widespread use of steel and iron in construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries. Some of the common ferrous metals include:
These items can be sold to scrap metal dealers, with prices varying depending on the quality and condition of the metal. Generally, the price of ferrous scrap ranges from ₹20 to ₹250 per kilogram, depending on the specific type and market demand.
Non-ferrous metals, unlike ferrous metals, do not contain iron and are highly valuable in the scrap market. These metals include copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, and brass, all of which are in high demand for their recyclability and use in industries such as electronics, automotive, and construction. Some common non-ferrous scrap items include:
The market prices for non-ferrous metals are significantly higher compared to ferrous metals, with copper scrap ranging from ₹350 to ₹450 per kilogram and aluminum scrap typically fetching ₹110 to ₹150 per kilogram.
Plastic scrap is another important category in industrial scrap. It comes in various forms, including PET, PVC, LDPE, and HDPE. Plastic is used widely in packaging, construction, and consumer goods. Recycling plastic scrap is vital for reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Some common types of plastic scrap are:
The price of plastic scrap varies depending on the type and quality. For instance, PET plastic scrap can be sold for ₹25 to ₹45 per kilogram, while LDPE plastic scrap typically ranges from ₹10 to ₹20 per kilogram.
Wood is commonly used in manufacturing and construction, making wood scrap a significant waste material in industries. Wood scrap can come from furniture manufacturing, packaging materials, or demolition projects. Some common types of wood scrap include:
Wood scrap prices are generally lower than metals or plastics, with firewood scrap fetching ₹5 to ₹15 per kilogram. However, high-quality wooden pallets can be sold for ₹100 to ₹300 each, depending on their condition and demand.
E-waste is another crucial category of industrial scrap, consisting of outdated or broken electronics such as computers, monitors, laptops, and televisions. E-waste is highly valuable for its metal components, including copper, aluminum, and precious metals like gold and silver. Common e-waste items include:
The market for e-waste is growing rapidly, with old computers and laptops fetching ₹800 to ₹3,000 each, depending on their condition. Monitors and televisions can be sold for ₹200 to ₹1,500 per unit.
Selling industrial scrap is a great way to earn additional income and contribute to recycling efforts. Here’s how you can sell scrap materials from your business:
Start by finding a reliable and trustworthy scrap dealer or recycling center. Look for a dealer who specializes in the type of scrap you have, whether it’s metals, plastics, or electronics. It’s important to check reviews and verify the dealer’s licensing to ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate business.
Before selling, sort and clean the scrap to get the best price. Metal scrap, for example, should be separated by type (ferrous vs. non-ferrous) and cleaned of any impurities like dirt, grease, or non-metal parts. Clean plastics and wood should also be separated by type, as mixed scrap generally yields a lower price.
To ensure you’re getting a fair price for your scrap, contact multiple scrap dealers and get quotes for the materials you plan to sell. Prices can vary, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal. If you have a large quantity of scrap, negotiate for a bulk discount.
In some areas, there may be legal requirements for selling industrial scrap. For example, certain types of e-waste or hazardous materials may require specific handling or disposal methods. Make sure you understand the regulations in your area to avoid fines or penalties.
If you have a large volume of scrap materials, consider selling directly to a recycling facility. Many recycling centers offer better prices for bulk quantities of scrap compared to scrap dealers.
The market for industrial scrap has been growing steadily in recent years, driven by increased demand for recycled materials, especially metals and plastics. With the rise of sustainability efforts, industries are focusing more on reducing waste and recycling their scrap materials. Non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum are in high demand for use in electronics and automotive industries, while plastics are increasingly being used in sustainable packaging.
As more businesses turn to circular economy models, the demand for industrial scrap is expected to continue rising, making it a good time to sell scrap materials. Additionally, governments around the world are encouraging recycling and offering incentives for businesses that recycle industrial waste.
Industrial scrap can be a valuable resource, not only for reducing waste but also for generating income. Whether you have ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, plastic, wood, or e-waste, selling scrap materials is a profitable and sustainable way to manage waste in your business. By understanding the types of scrap, knowing the current market prices, and following best practices for selling, you can ensure you get the most value out of your scrap materials.