Wood scrap is one of the most versatile and eco-friendly resources in India’s recycling and industrial sector. It is generated from construction, furniture manufacturing, plywood production, carpentry workshops, and other industrial processes. Selling or recycling wood scrap not only generates income but also helps reduce deforestation and environmental waste.
The wood scrap market is diverse, ranging from hardwood to softwood and engineered wood products. Industrial and commercial activities generate various scrap types that differ in price and usability. Understanding the different types of wood scrap is essential for sellers and buyers to get the best value.
The price of wood scrap varies depending on type, quality, moisture content, and regional demand. Here is an approximate pricing table for popular wood scrap types:
| Wood Scrap Type | Average Price (₹/Kg) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood Scrap | ₹25 – ₹50 | High-quality untreated plywood fetches better rates. |
| Timber Offcuts | ₹30 – ₹60 | Hardwood offcuts are priced higher than softwood. |
| Particle Board Scrap | ₹20 – ₹40 | Lower density, mainly used in board production. |
| MDF Board Scrap | ₹25 – ₹45 | Medium density fiberboard, common in cabinets. |
| Veneer Scrap | ₹40 – ₹70 | Thin decorative wood layers. |
| Wood Shavings / Sawdust | ₹10 – ₹25 | Collected from sawmills, used in biomass & particle boards. |
| Old Furniture / Panel Scrap | ₹35 – ₹60 | Includes plywood, MDF, and solid wood pieces. |
| Blockboard Scrap | ₹30 – ₹55 | Used for partitions and furniture cores. |
| Balsa Wood Scrap | ₹50 – ₹80 | Lightweight craft wood, used in models and packaging. |
Hardwoods like teak, sal, and rosewood have a higher scrap value due to their durability and demand in furniture and decorative applications. Softwoods like pine, deodar, or eucalyptus have lower resale value but are abundant and used in construction and plywood industries.
Scrap from untreated, clean wood fetches better prices. Painted, laminated, chemically treated, or water-damaged wood often reduces the resale price due to extra processing costs.
Larger sheets, planks, or blocks are easier to transport and sell in bulk, thus commanding higher per kg rates. Small offcuts or chips are sold at lower prices unless used in biomass or particle board production.
Urban areas with furniture and plywood industries often have higher demand for wood scrap. Rural areas may have lower rates due to limited industrial usage. Prices fluctuate depending on the number of buyers and local supply availability.
Dry wood scrap has higher value as it can be directly processed. Wet or damp wood requires additional drying, lowering its market price.
Different states and cities have varying demand and price trends for wood scrap. For example, furniture hubs like Chennai, Jodhpur, and Kolkata may pay higher rates for hardwood scrap, while plywood-producing states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu may offer premium prices for plywood or blockboard scrap. Similarly, sawdust and wood shavings are in demand near biomass plants in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.