City Guide — Delhi
Recycling Business in Delhi 2026: Scrap Rates, Market & Opportunities
Complete guide to recycling business in Delhi NCR — scrap rates, dealers, Mundka market, Tikri Kalan, waste picker economy, and how BIN creates opportunities.
Last updated 14 April 2026
Recycling Business in Delhi: Scrap Market, Rates & Opportunities (2026)
Delhi NCR generates over 12,000 tonnes of solid waste daily — the highest of any Indian city. The capital region's recycling economy extends across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad, supported by massive scrap trading hubs at Mundka, Tikri Kalan, and Seelampur.
With the municipal push for waste segregation, growing EPR mandates, and Delhi's position as India's policy capital, the recycling business opportunity here is enormous.
Delhi Scrap Market Overview
Delhi NCR has India's largest and most diverse scrap market ecosystem:
- Mundka scrap market: One of Asia's biggest scrap trading centres, specialising in metals and plastics
- Tikri Kalan: Major hub for metal scrap, industrial waste
- Seelampur: India's largest informal e-waste recycling market
- Mustafabad/Bawana: Plastic recycling and paper processing clusters
- Noida/Greater Noida: Formal recycling facilities and authorised e-waste processors
The Delhi NCR scrap economy is estimated at Rs 5,000-8,000 crore annually.
Scrap Rates in Delhi (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 |
| E-waste (mixed) | Rs 12-35/kg |
Delhi rates are broadly in line with national averages. The high competition among scrap dealers in Mundka and Tikri Kalan keeps pricing relatively transparent at the wholesale level.
Recycling Infrastructure in Delhi
Formal Facilities
- Integrated Waste Management Facilities at Okhla, Narela-Bawana, and Ghazipur
- Authorised e-waste recyclers — 50+ facilities in Delhi NCR
- Material Recovery Facilities run by municipal corporations
- C&D waste processing plants handling construction debris
Informal Sector
- Estimated 150,000+ waste pickers across Delhi NCR
- Safai Sena, Chintan, and other organisations advocating for waste picker rights
- Seelampur e-waste market — processes an estimated 20,000+ tonnes annually
- Thousands of kabadiwallas serving every colony and market
Key Challenges
- Air quality regulations affecting recycling operations (particularly during winter smog episodes)
- Sealing drives against unauthorised scrap shops
- Health hazards in informal e-waste processing at Seelampur
- Delhi's three municipal corporations have varying waste management approaches
Starting a Recycling Business in Delhi
Opportunity Areas
- E-waste processing: Delhi is India's e-waste capital — formalising this sector is a huge opportunity
- Commercial dry waste: Offices in Gurgaon, Noida, and Connaught Place generate premium dry waste
- Construction waste: Delhi's ongoing construction boom produces metal, wood, and concrete waste
- EPR services: Many EPR-obligated brands are headquartered in Delhi NCR
Requirements
- Trade licence from relevant municipal corporation (MCD/NDMC)
- GST registration for scrap trading
- DPCC consent from Delhi Pollution Control Committee (for processing)
- Space: Godown costs vary from Rs 15-50/sq ft/month (outer Delhi) to Rs 50-150/sq ft (inner city)
Investment Guide
| Model | Investment | Expected Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Collection point | Rs 1-3 lakh | Rs 40K-1.2L |
| Aggregation centre | Rs 8-20 lakh | Rs 1.5-5L |
| E-waste recycling unit | Rs 50L-5Cr | Rs 5-30L |
How BIN Is Working in Delhi
For Waste Pickers
- Rs 15-25/kg for PET — above the local rate of Rs 12-15/kg
- Instant UPI payments — eliminating the cash dependency of the traditional chain
- Insurance coverage — critical for Delhi's waste pickers who face harsh weather conditions
- Formal recognition through digital profiles
For Kiranas
- Delhi NCR has 200,000+ kirana stores — a massive network for micro-collection
- BIN enables kiranas to earn Rs 1,500-6,000/month as collection hubs
- Particularly effective in residential colonies across South Delhi, East Delhi, and Gurgaon
- Zero investment requirement from the kirana owner
For Brands
- EPR compliance for Delhi NCR-headquartered companies
- Traceable collection across India's largest consumer market
- Plastic credits with neighbourhood-level transparency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scrap rate in Delhi today? PET bottles: Rs 12-15/kg. Newspaper: Rs 13-15/kg. Copper: Rs 550-700/kg. Aluminium: Rs 130-160/kg. Check BIN for real-time updates.
Where is the biggest scrap market in Delhi? Mundka scrap market in West Delhi is one of Asia's largest scrap trading centres. Tikri Kalan specialises in metals, and Seelampur handles most of Delhi's e-waste.
How do I become a kabadiwala in Delhi? Register a trade licence with MCD, obtain GST registration, find a small godown in a residential-commercial mixed area, and start building relationships with households and waste pickers. Partner with BIN for better sourcing and off-take.
For current Delhi scrap rates and BIN collection point locations, visit our Delhi page.
Related: Recycling Business Meerut | Scrap Rates India | E-waste/Copper Rates
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