Newspaper Scrap Price – Latest Rates
Newspaper scrap, commonly known as raddi or waste paper scrap, is one of the most widely recycled materials in India. Every household, office, shop, and institution generates old newspapers each month, and selling them to scrap dealers not only earns money but also helps in environmental conservation. With recycling becoming more important and the scrap industry growing rapidly, people often search for updated and accurate newspaper scrap price per kg. This blog provides a complete, easy-to-understand guide on current market prices, factors affecting newspaper scrap value, how to get the best rate, and why recycling newspapers matters.
Current Newspaper Scrap Price Per Kg (India)
Newspaper scrap rates vary from city to city and dealer to dealer. They are influenced by demand from recycling mills, transportation cost, and local supply. Below is a table summarizing commonly seen price ranges across different sources.
| City / Source | Price (per kg) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| General Market Rate | ₹ 11 – ₹ 15 | Typical residential price range offered by local scrap dealers |
| Online Scrap Collectors | ₹ 13 – ₹ 14 | Usually offer slightly stable rates due to fixed pricing policies |
| Bulk Institutional Scrap | ₹ 12 – ₹ 18 | Schools, colleges, apartments may receive better rates |
| Premium City Zones | ₹ 14 – ₹ 16 | High-demand areas near recycling hubs may offer higher prices |
| Remote / Rural Areas | ₹ 8 – ₹ 12 | Transportation cost lowers the rate in distant areas |
Why Do Newspaper Scrap Rates Change?
Scrap prices are not fixed; they fluctuate week to week. Understanding the reasons behind these changes helps you know when to sell and what to expect. Here are the main factors:
1. Demand from Recycling Mills
Recycled paper mills use waste newspapers to create packaging paper, tissue paper, notebooks, and industrial paper. When demand is high, scrap dealers offer better prices. During low demand, prices fall sharply.
2. Transportation and Fuel Costs
Scrap needs to be collected, transported, sorted, and delivered to mills. Fuel prices significantly affect scrap value, especially in cities far from recycling plants.
3. Quality of Newspaper
Clean, dry, neatly bundled newspapers fetch higher prices than newspapers mixed with dust, food stains, or moisture. Contaminated scrap is harder to recycle and lowers the rate.
4. Type of Newspaper
Not all newspapers have the same value. English-language papers, glossy supplements, and regional newspapers may have slightly different recycling values due to variations in print quality and paper weight.
5. Local Supply and Competition
In areas where multiple scrap dealers operate, competition pushes rates upward. Remote areas with fewer buyers often have lower rates.
6. Seasonal Price Shifts
During the rainy season, paper scrap availability decreases due to moisture damage, which can temporarily push prices higher. Conversely, during festival seasons, more newspapers are generated, increasing supply and sometimes decreasing prices.
How to Get the Best Price for Your Newspaper Scrap
If you regularly collect newspapers at home or in your apartment, here are practical tips to ensure you receive the highest scrap value:
- Keep newspapers dry and stored away from moisture, which can decrease weight and reduce quality.
- Sort newspapers separately instead of mixing them with cardboard, magazines, or plastic.
- Bundle them neatly with a rope; dealers prefer organized bundles.
- Sell once a month to accumulate enough quantity for better rates.
- Compare prices from at least two or three local scrap dealers before selling.
- Check if bulk pickup is available for societies, schools, colleges, or offices.
- Monitor local price trends to know when rates are at their peak.
How Much Can You Earn from Newspaper Scrap?
The earnings depend on quantity. Here’s a simple estimate:
- 1 kg of newspapers → approx ₹ 12
- 10 kg bundle → approx ₹ 120
- 30–40 kg monthly bundle from an average household → ₹ 350 – ₹ 500
- Schools & offices generating 100–300 kg monthly → ₹ 1200 – ₹ 4500
Many families accumulate 2–4 months of newspapers and sell them in bulk to earn a decent amount.
Environmental Benefits of Recycling Newspaper Scrap
Selling newspaper scrap is not just about money—it also helps the environment. Each kilogram of recycled paper saves natural resources and reduces pollution.
- Recycling 1 kg of paper saves approximately 17 litres of water.
- It reduces solid waste dumped in landfills.
- It lowers demand for wood pulp, helping conserve trees.
- Reduces carbon emissions from paper manufacturing industries.
- Supports a sustainable, circular economy.
When millions of households recycle regularly, the cumulative environmental impact becomes significant.
Where to Sell Newspaper Scrap?
You have multiple options to sell your old newspapers:
1. Local Kabadiwala (Scrap Dealer)
The most common option. They visit homes weekly or monthly and offer instant cash. Prices may vary but negotiation is possible.
2. Online Scrap Collection Platforms
Many cities now have doorstep scrap pickup apps and websites that offer scheduled pickup, digital payment, and standardized rates.
3. Apartment Community Drives
Many apartment residents organize monthly recycling drives, collecting newspapers in bulk to negotiate higher rates.
4. Schools & Offices
Institutions often generate large volumes of paper scrap. They can partner with recycling vendors for bulk pickup and better pricing.
Conclusion: Newspaper Scrap Still Holds Value
Newspaper scrap continues to be one of the most valuable recyclable paper materials in India. Whether you are a homeowner looking to earn a small extra income or an institution generating bulk waste, staying aware of the latest newspaper scrap price helps you make informed decisions.
The typical price range of ₹ 11–₹ 15 per kg may seem small, but when collected regularly, newspaper scrap can bring steady returns and support sustainability. By keeping newspapers clean, dry, and neatly bundled, and by comparing rates across multiple dealers, you can always secure the best possible price.
Recycling old newspapers is not only profitable but also contributes to a cleaner environment. So the next time you gather newspapers at home, remember—they are not just waste; they are valuable recyclable resources with a real market price.