City Guide — Coimbatore
Recycling Business in Coimbatore 2026: Scrap Rates, Market & Opportunities
Guide to recycling business in Coimbatore — scrap rates, textile and engineering waste, recycling infrastructure, and how BIN creates opportunities.
Last updated 14 April 2026
Recycling Business in Coimbatore: Scrap Market, Rates & Opportunities (2026)
Coimbatore generates approximately 1,200-1,500 tonnes of solid waste daily. Known as the "Manchester of South India" for its textile industry, and as a major engineering and pump manufacturing hub, Coimbatore generates diverse industrial waste streams alongside municipal recyclables.
Coimbatore Scrap Market Overview
- Ukkadam/Town Hall area: Traditional scrap market
- SIDCO Industrial Estate: Metal and engineering scrap
- Peelamedu-Singanallur area: Commercial waste and e-waste
- Ganapathy/RS Puram: Residential scrap collection zones
Coimbatore's engineering and textile industries create steady demand for recycled metals and fibres.
Scrap Rates in Coimbatore (2026)
| Material | Rate Per Kg |
|---|---|
| PET bottles | Rs 12-15/kg |
| Mixed plastic | Rs 5-9/kg |
| Copper | Rs 550-700/kg |
| Aluminium | Rs 130-160/kg |
| Newspaper | Rs 13-15/kg |
| Cardboard/OCC | Rs 10-14/kg |
| Iron/steel | Rs 24-30/kg |
| Textile waste | Rs 8-22/kg |
Recycling Infrastructure
Formal Facilities
- Vellalore waste processing — CCMC's primary waste facility
- TNPCB-authorised recyclers in SIDCO and surrounding areas
- Textile waste recyclers in the Coimbatore-Tirupur belt
- Foundries and smelters for metal scrap
Informal Sector
- Estimated 6,000-10,000 waste pickers
- Strong local kabadiwala ("paper kattan") network
- Textile waste sorting at informal units
Unique Opportunities
- Textile waste: Proximity to Tirupur (knitwear capital) creates massive textile waste streams
- Engineering scrap: Pump, motor, and auto component manufacturing produces metal waste
- Wet waste composting: Coimbatore's agricultural surroundings enable composting businesses
- EPR services: Growing market for TN-based brands
How BIN Is Working in Coimbatore
- Above-market rates: Rs 15-25/kg for PET vs. Rs 12-15/kg
- Kirana collection points — kiranas earn Rs 1,500-6,000/month
- UPI payments and insurance for waste pickers
- Multi-material collection including textile waste
- EPR and plastic credits for brand compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scrap rate in Coimbatore today? PET: Rs 12-15/kg. Newspaper: Rs 13-15/kg. Copper: Rs 550-700/kg.
Is textile waste recycling profitable in Coimbatore? Yes. The Coimbatore-Tirupur belt is India's largest knitwear cluster. Textile waste (cutting waste, yarn waste, fabric rejects) trades at Rs 8-22/kg and is recycled into shoddy yarn, stuffing material, and industrial rags.
Related: Recycling Business Chennai | Recycling Business Madurai | Scrap Rates India
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