City Guide — Surat
Recycling Business in Surat 2026: Scrap Rates, Textile Waste & Opportunities
Guide to recycling business in Surat — scrap rates, textile waste recycling, diamond industry waste, and how BIN is creating opportunities.
Last updated 14 April 2026
Recycling Business in Surat: Scrap Market, Rates & Opportunities (2026)
Surat generates approximately 2,800-3,500 tonnes of solid waste daily. Known as India's textile and diamond capital, Surat has unique waste streams — massive quantities of textile waste from its weaving and processing industry, and specialised waste from diamond polishing units.
Surat's rapid growth (one of India's fastest-growing cities) creates an expanding recycling market.
Surat Scrap Market Overview
- Pandesara/Sachin GIDC: Textile waste trading and recycling
- Udhna: Metal and mixed scrap market
- Katargam: Paper and plastic scrap trading
- Diamond processing areas (Varachha): Specialised waste from polishing
Surat's textile industry generates an estimated 1,000+ tonnes of textile waste daily, making it one of India's largest sources of recyclable fabric and fibre.
Scrap Rates in Surat (2026)
| Material | Rate Per Kg |
|---|---|
| PET bottles | Rs 12-15/kg |
| Mixed plastic | Rs 5-9/kg |
| Copper | Rs 550-695/kg |
| Aluminium | Rs 128-158/kg |
| Newspaper | Rs 12-14/kg |
| Cardboard/OCC | Rs 10-13/kg |
| Textile waste (pre-consumer) | Rs 10-25/kg |
| Textile waste (post-consumer) | Rs 5-12/kg |
Recycling Infrastructure
Formal Facilities
- Khajod waste processing plant — SMC's integrated waste facility
- Textile recycling units — hundreds in Pandesara-Sachin belt
- GPCB-authorised recyclers in surrounding GIDCs
- Paper mills in nearby Vapi-Silvassa belt
Informal Sector
- Estimated 15,000-20,000 waste pickers
- Textile waste sorting is a major informal sector activity — sorters grade fabrics by fibre type, colour, and condition
- Strong migrant worker presence in waste collection
Unique Strengths
- Textile waste creates a distinct and large recycling opportunity
- Proximity to Hazira port for export
- Gujarat's pro-business environment
- Growing synthetic textile recycling technology
Starting a Recycling Business in Surat
Opportunity Areas
- Textile waste recycling: Enormous volumes from weaving and processing units
- Plastic recycling: Packaging waste from textile trade
- Cardboard recycling: Packaging from diamond and textile exports
- EPR compliance: For textile and packaging brands
Investment Guide
| Model | Investment | Expected Monthly Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Collection point | Rs 80K-2L | Rs 30K-80K |
| Textile waste aggregation | Rs 5-15L | Rs 1-4L |
| Recycling unit | Rs 35L-2.5Cr | Rs 3-18L |
How BIN Is Working in Surat
- Fair rates for waste pickers: Rs 15-25/kg for PET
- Multi-material collection including textile waste
- Kirana collection points — kiranas earn Rs 1,500-6,000/month
- Instant UPI payments and insurance for registered pickers
- EPR and plastic credits connecting Surat's collection to brand compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scrap rate in Surat today? PET: Rs 12-15/kg. Newspaper: Rs 12-14/kg. Copper: Rs 550-695/kg. Textile waste: Rs 5-25/kg depending on type.
Is textile waste recycling profitable in Surat? Very. Surat's textile industry generates 1,000+ tonnes of waste daily. Pre-consumer textile waste (factory offcuts) commands Rs 10-25/kg. Post-consumer clothing is sorted for export, resale, or fibre recovery.
Where can I sell scrap in Surat? Udhna scrap market, Katargam paper traders, BIN collection points, and local kabadiwallas. Textile waste goes to Pandesara-Sachin recyclers.
Related: Recycling Business Ahmedabad | Scrap Rates India
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