Plastic scrap recycling is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India due to rising environmental awareness, government waste-management policies, and the increasing need for sustainable materials. Among all types of recyclable plastics, PET bottles, LDPE plastic bags, and HDPE containers are the most commonly traded in the scrap market. Homes, shops, industries, hotels, and recycling centers supply these materials every day to scrap dealers for recycling purposes.
This detailed guide provides the latest scrap price (per KG) for PET, LDPE, and HDPE plastics, including factors that influence pricing, recycling benefits, and tips to get the best value for your scrap. Whether you are a household seller or a bulk recycler, this article will help you understand current market trends and rates across India.
The value of plastic scrap depends on category, quality, cleanliness, and market demand. Below is the updated 2025 scrap price table for different plastic types.
| Plastic Type | Scrap Price (₹ per KG) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PET Bottles (Transparent) | ₹22 – ₹35 per KG | High value, used in food-grade recycling |
| PET Bottles (Mixed Color) | ₹15 – ₹25 per KG | Lower price due to sorting requirements |
| LDPE Plastic Bags | ₹18 – ₹30 per KG | Used in soft plastic recycling |
| HDPE Containers (Shampoo/Detergent Bottles) | ₹40 – ₹55 per KG | Strong demand in industrial recycling |
| HDPE Hard Plastic (Containers, Caps, Cans) | ₹35 – ₹50 per KG | Recycled for pipes & industrial products |
| Mixed Plastic Scrap | ₹10 – ₹20 per KG | Lower demand, needs separation and cleaning |
Rates may vary depending on city, dealer margins, cleanliness of scrap, and daily recycling market shifts. Clean, dry, and sorted plastic always gets higher pricing.
Plastic recycling is categorized based on resin codes. Here are the three major types that dominate the scrap market:
PET is used in beverage bottles such as water, juice, soda, oil, and other transparent food containers. PET bottles are lightweight, strong, and 100% recyclable, making them highly valuable in the recycling chain.
Recycled PET is used for manufacturing:
LDPE includes soft, flexible plastic such as carry bags, milk packets, packaging films, shrink wraps, and transparent covers. LDPE is recyclable but requires sorting and cleaning, which affects its price.
HDPE includes detergent bottles, shampoo containers, milk cans, chemical containers, buckets, mugs, and thick plastic products. It is tough, durable, and one of the most preferred plastics for industrial recycling.
Plastic scrap rates vary from one region to another depending on the density of recycling units, local demand, and collection volume.
| City | PET Bottles (₹/KG) | LDPE Bags (₹/KG) | HDPE Plastic (₹/KG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹25 – ₹35 | ₹20 – ₹30 | ₹40 – ₹55 |
| Delhi NCR | ₹22 – ₹32 | ₹18 – ₹28 | ₹35 – ₹50 |
| Chennai | ₹24 – ₹34 | ₹20 – ₹30 | ₹38 – ₹52 |
| Bangalore | ₹22 – ₹33 | ₹18 – ₹27 | ₹40 – ₹50 |
Plastic scrap pricing is dynamic and influenced by multiple market factors:
Clean and dry PET bottles or HDPE containers earn a higher price. Dirty or mixed plastic is valued lower due to extra processing costs.
Transparent PET bottles fetch the highest price, while colored plastics and mixed-grade materials fetch lower rates.
Demand from recycling factories, fiber manufacturers, and plastic product industries directly influences price.
Urban areas with more recycling units offer competitive prices compared to rural areas.
Hotels, factories, and institutions often get premium prices due to bulk scrap volumes.
Plastic bans, recycling mandates, and environmental policies also impact pricing trends.
Recycling plastic has significant environmental and economic benefits. Some key advantages include:
Recycling 1 kg of plastic can save up to 1.5 kg of CO₂ emissions, making it one of the most effective ways to protect the environment.
Scrap dealers usually accept the following items:
Follow these tips to maximize the value of your scrap plastic:
Plastic scrap can be sold at:
Most large scrap dealers also provide doorstep pickup for bulk quantities from apartments, institutions, and offices.
The market for PET bottles, LDPE plastic bags, and HDPE containers continues to grow in India as recycling becomes more important for environmental and economic reasons. By understanding current scrap prices, sorting plastics properly, and selling to reliable dealers, you can get the best possible value for your plastic waste. PET bottles and HDPE containers fetch the highest rates, while LDPE bags also have consistent demand due to growing recycling initiatives.
Whether you are an individual selling household scrap or a business dealing with bulk plastic waste, staying aware of daily scrap trends ensures you earn more while contributing to a cleaner environment. Use the price tables above as a guide to know the latest rates and make informed selling decisions.