City Guide — Agra
Recycling Business in Agra 2026: Scrap Rates, Market & Opportunities
Guide to recycling business in Agra — scrap rates, leather and footwear waste, scrap markets, and how BIN creates opportunities.
Last updated 14 April 2026
Recycling Business in Agra: Scrap Market, Rates & Opportunities (2026)
Agra generates approximately 1,000-1,400 tonnes of solid waste daily. Known globally for the Taj Mahal, Agra is also India's footwear manufacturing capital — creating unique waste streams from leather, rubber, and synthetic materials alongside tourism and municipal waste.
Agra Scrap Market Overview
- Shahganj/Lohamandi: Traditional scrap and metal trading market
- Hathras Road Industrial Area: Footwear and leather waste
- Nunhai: Leather waste processing
- Sikandra: Scrap aggregation area
Agra's footwear industry (producing 65% of India's shoes) generates significant leather, rubber, and synthetic waste.
Scrap Rates in Agra (2026)
| Material | Rate Per Kg |
|---|---|
| PET bottles | Rs 10-13/kg |
| Mixed plastic | Rs 4-7/kg |
| Copper | Rs 535-680/kg |
| Aluminium | Rs 122-152/kg |
| Newspaper | Rs 11-13/kg |
| Cardboard/OCC | Rs 9-12/kg |
| Iron/steel | Rs 22-27/kg |
| Leather/footwear waste | Rs 3-12/kg |
| Rubber scrap | Rs 8-15/kg |
Recycling Infrastructure
Formal Facilities
- Kuberpur waste processing — AMC's primary waste facility
- UPPCB-authorised recyclers in industrial areas
- Footwear waste processing — informal and semi-formal units in Nunhai
Informal Sector
- Estimated 8,000-12,000 waste pickers
- Leather waste sorting and processing — a specialised informal sector activity
- Tourism-generated waste collection near Taj Mahal and heritage areas
Unique Opportunities
- Footwear waste recycling: Leather offcuts, rubber soles, synthetic uppers — all recyclable
- Tourism waste: Hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas generate high-quality dry waste
- Marble and stone waste: Agra's marble craft industry generates stone waste
- EPR compliance: Underserved market in western UP
How BIN Is Working in Agra
- Above-market rates: Rs 15-25/kg for PET vs. Rs 10-13/kg
- Kirana collection network — kiranas earn Rs 1,500-6,000/month
- UPI payments and insurance for waste pickers
- Multi-material collection including footwear industry waste
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scrap rate in Agra today? PET: Rs 10-13/kg. Newspaper: Rs 11-13/kg. Copper: Rs 535-680/kg.
Is footwear waste recycling possible in Agra? Yes. Leather offcuts are recycled into fibreboard and lower-grade products. Rubber soles are ground for use in flooring and mats. Synthetic materials can be recycled into pellets.
Related: Recycling Business Jaipur | Recycling Business Lucknow | Scrap Rates India
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