Newspaper Scrap Rate in India (2026): Raddi Rates & Selling Guide

Old newspapers remain one of the most commonly sold household scrap materials in India. With a current rate of Rs 13-15 per kg, newspapers form the backbone of the traditional kabadiwala business and are the entry point for millions of Indian households into recycling.

Despite the decline of print media in some segments, newspaper scrap demand remains strong — driven by paper mill demand for recycled fibre, packaging applications, and the cultural habit of saving "raddi" (old papers) for periodic sale.

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Newspaper Scrap Rates (2026)

Note: Wet, soiled, or mouldy newspapers are rejected or heavily discounted. Keeping your newspaper dry and clean is the single most important factor in getting a good rate.

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What Determines Newspaper Scrap Rates

Paper Mill Demand

Indian paper mills use recycled fibre for newsprint, writing paper, and packaging grades. When mill demand is strong (typically during academic season and festive periods), newspaper scrap rates rise.

Import Competition

India imports waste paper (OCC, ONP) from the US, Europe, and other countries. The domestic scrap rate is influenced by the landed cost of imported waste paper — when imports are cheap, domestic rates may soften.

Seasonal Patterns

• April-June: Rates often dip as household clean-outs increase supply after tax season and spring cleaning
• July-September: Monsoon dampness can affect quality, reducing effective supply of clean paper
• October-December: Festive season increases packaging demand, supporting rates
• January-March: Academic year drives demand for recycled-content notebooks and textbooks

Collection Volume

Newspapers accumulate slowly in households. A typical household generates 2-5 kg of newspaper per month. This slow accumulation and periodic selling pattern creates batch-supply dynamics.

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The Economics of Newspaper Collection

For Households

• A household accumulating newspapers for 3 months might have 10-15 kg
• At Rs 13-15/kg, this yields Rs 130-225 per sale
• While the per-sale amount is modest, it is the most common recycling activity in Indian households

For Kabadiwallas

• Buy from households at Rs 13-15/kg
• Sell to traders at Rs 16-20/kg
• Margin of Rs 3-5/kg
• A kabadiwala handling 200-500 kg/day of newspapers earns Rs 600-2,500/day from paper alone

For Paper Traders

• Buy from kabadiwallas at Rs 16-20/kg
• Sell to paper mills at Rs 20-25/kg
• Handle tonnes of material daily
• Require warehouse space and baling equipment

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Where to Sell Old Newspapers

Door-to-Door Kabadiwala

• Rate: Rs 13-15/kg
• Pros: Comes to your home, immediate cash, no minimum
• Cons: Rates vary by dealer, weighing disputes

BIN Collection Points (Kiranas)

• Rate: Market-competitive with transparent pricing
• Pros: Instant UPI payment, accurate weighing, digital receipt, convenience of neighbourhood kirana
• Cons: Expanding to more locations

Online Scrap Platforms

• Rate: Rs 13-16/kg
• Pros: Scheduled pickup, digital payment
• Cons: Minimum quantity (usually 10-20 kg), limited city coverage

Community Drives

• Some RWAs and societies organise monthly scrap drives at competitive rates
• Volume aggregation allows for better dealer rates

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Tips for Getting the Best Newspaper Rate

1. Keep dry: Wet newspapers lose value and may be rejected entirely. Store in a dry place away from leaks and moisture.
2. Bundle neatly: Tied bundles are easier to weigh and transport. Dealers prefer neatly stacked lots.
3. Separate from magazines: Glossy magazines fetch a different (lower) rate. Keep newspapers separate for the best per-kg price.
4. Accumulate volume: Selling 20+ kg gets better attention and rates than 3-5 kg.
5. Remove inserts: Plastic-coated inserts and non-paper items should be separated.
6. Time your sale: Sell when you have a decent volume (15-25 kg) rather than waiting too long and risking moisture damage.

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Newspaper Recycling Process

1. Collection and sorting: Newspapers sorted from other paper types and contaminants
2. Pulping: Paper soaked in water and chemicals to break down into pulp
3. De-inking: Ink removed through flotation and washing processes
4. Cleaning and screening: Removing staples, tape, adhesives, and other contaminants
5. Paper making: Clean pulp formed into new paper on paper machines

Recycled newspaper fibre is used to produce:

• New newsprint
• Tissue and toilet paper
• Egg cartons and moulded packaging
• Writing paper (lower grades)
• Corrugated medium for boxes

Each recycling cycle shortens the paper fibre, so paper can typically be recycled 5-7 times before the fibre becomes too short to use.

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The Raddi Culture in India

"Raddi" — the Hindi term for old paper and scrap — is deeply embedded in Indian culture. The kabadiwala who buys raddi door-to-door is a fixture of Indian neighbourhood life. This cultural practice means India has one of the world's highest paper recovery rates from households.

However, the system has inefficiencies:

• Inconsistent pricing: Every kabadiwala sets their own rate
• Cash-only transactions: No digital trail, no receipts
• Weighing disputes: Inaccurate scales are a common complaint
• No incentive for quality: Clean, sorted paper gets the same rate as mixed lots

How BIN Is Modernising Raddi Collection

BIN's kirana-based model brings transparency and fairness to the traditional raddi system:

• Standard pricing aligned with real-time market rates
• Digital weighing with tamper-proof records
• UPI payment — instant, traceable, no cash disputes
• Multi-material collection — sell newspapers alongside PET, aluminium, and other scrap at one location
• Kiranas earn Rs 1,500-6,000/month as collection points, adding value to the neighbourhood store model

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the old newspaper rate per kg today? Old newspaper (ONP) scrap rate in India is Rs 13-15/kg as of April 2026. Rates vary slightly by city and dealer.

How much do kabadiwallas pay for newspapers? Door-to-door kabadiwallas typically pay Rs 13-15/kg for clean, dry newspapers. Some negotiate lower rates for small quantities.

Is it worth saving old newspapers for scrap? Yes, if stored properly. A household generating 3-5 kg of newspaper per month accumulates Rs 200-450 worth of scrap over three months. While not a large amount, it is an easy contribution to recycling and the circular economy.

What is the best paper scrap to sell? White office paper (copier paper) fetches the highest rate at Rs 14-18/kg due to its high-quality fibre. Newspapers at Rs 13-15/kg are second. Glossy magazines are typically worth less.

Can I sell wet or damaged newspapers? Wet, mouldy, or heavily soiled newspapers are typically rejected by kabadiwallas and recyclers. If slightly damp, they may be accepted at a 30-50% discount. Always store newspapers in a dry location.

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Rates are indicative and vary by city and market conditions. For current rates, visit BIN's rate tracker.

Related: Cardboard Scrap Rate | Plastic Scrap Rate | Recycling Business India