Global warming has emerged as one of the major environmental issues of our times. In order to combat this problem, we should take steps to recycle waste materials. Recycled products can be used to make new ones. Waste management is an important aspect of any industry. We should try to reduce the amount of waste produced and reuse them whenever possible.
Before starting any of the recycling businesses listed below, you should first decide which type of recycling you’d like to start. There are lots of types of recyclable materials in various industries, including household garbage, construction debris, electronics, etc.
When choosing an industry for your recycling venture, first determine whether there is enough demand for recycled items. Then, learn everything you can about the recycling processes involved. Finally, investigate the market for recycled goods and identify potential partners who could help you get started.
Among the most profitable recycling businesses include recycling paper, electronic devices, batteries, garbage, etc. By investing in any of these recycling businesses, you’re helping protect the planet and making some extra cash at the same time.
25 Recycling Business Ideas
Below is a shortlisted listing of some of the most lucrative low-cost recycling business ideas available today:
1. Plastic Recycling Business
The wide usage of plastics has led to the creation of a large number of industries related to the processing of plastics. These include the manufacturing of various products such as containers, packaging materials, pipes, cables, wires, flooring, furniture, and automobile parts.
In addition to these, there are also companies involved in agriculture, food, healthcare, education, automotive, building material, and transportation. Due to the high demand for plastics, they are widely available in the market. Therefore, people are able to buy them without any difficulty.
Read: How to start waste plastic recycling plant business
2. Recycling of Construction Waste
This is an interesting business idea. Recyclable waste material is collected from construction sites, where they are sorted out and then sold to companies that recycle them. The profits made from these sales are used to pay for the collection costs incurred.
3. Paper Recycling Business
The idea behind the recycling industry is very simple – it allows us to reuse something we no longer need. Waste material is transformed into useful items such as new books, furniture, clothes, food, and so on. Recycling helps reduce pollution and saves energy.
4. E-Waste Recycling Business
Electronic waste also known as e-waste refers to any discarded electrical or electronic device. These include computers, monitors, televisions, cell phones, printers, fax machines, scanners, modems, routers, hard drives, DVD players, VCRs, microwave ovens, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, stereos, amplifiers, speakers, telephones, radios, clocks, watches, cameras, camcorders, game consoles, projectors, microwaves, heaters, thermostats, light bulbs, power tools, lawn mowers, snowblowers, drills, saws, hammers
Read more about the e-waste recycling business.
5. Computer Recycling
Old and discarded computer hardware is often recycled into new products. Some people make a living selling used electronics. Others buy them and resell them online. Sometimes they sell them to scrap metal dealers who melt down the machines for reuse.
6. PVC Recycling
PVC (or polyvinyl chloride) is an organic compound widely found in nature. It is one of the most commonly recycled materials. Some companies use it for making plastic products, including PVC pipe, which you can recycle yourself.
7. Battery Recycling
Batteries are used widely from cars to household appliances. Therefore, batteries are essential items for your waste management company.
However, you need to know about the recyclable materials and toxic elements derived during the processing of batteries.
Read more about making money recycling batteries here.
8. Aluminum Can Recycling
This is an easy, hassle-free recycled materials processing system for you on one side. You can immediately start collecting the old cans and selling them.
On the other side, you can also set up your own setup where you’ll process aluminum cans and make new ones. The profits here are very high.
9. Tire Recycling Business
With the boom in automotive manufacturing, the tire recycling sector is quite an excellent recycling enterprise idea. A tire is composed of rubber, steel, fiberglass, and synthetic materials.
You can reuse all these components for the production of new automobiles. Once again, you must understand the process, market, and accessibility of labor.
10. Scrap Metal Recycling Business
This recycling service is an excellent opportunity if you’re willing to put in the effort. You’ll need to spend money buying scrap metal, but your profits will pay off in the end.
Recycling is one of those businesses where you get what you pay for. Start small and build up slowly until you’ve got enough customers to keep you busy.
11. Glass Recycling Business
You can recycle broken glasses into different products such as crockeries, windowpanes, etc. These recycled products have high and constant demands.
12. Carton Box Recycling Business
Recycling is an easy way to earn some extra cash by collecting discarded cardboard from scrap shops and selling them for use in the manufacturing of new products.
13. Food Waste Recycling Business
This is an easy, inexpensive, and highly effective method of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Recycled materials also provide valuable nutrients for plants. However, the process of collecting these materials may require additional equipment and labor costs.
14. Wood /Furniture Recycling Business
Furniture often gets old and outdated. Recycling furniture is an easy task. You just need to take apart the furniture and make something new. But before you start, you should know how to recycle furniture properly.
15. Textile Recycling Business
Rejected clothing can be used as raw materials for the textile industry. You can alter them for use again by cutting them up into smaller pieces and then using them for making new fabric.
16. Recycling Solid Waste to Manufacture Bricks
Recycling solid waste into building materials is an eco-friendly practice. By recycling solid wastes, we not only save natural resources but also reduce pollution. Solid waste such as plastic bottles, paper, glass, metal cans, wood, and so forth can be recycled into new products. In addition, these products can be used to build houses, roads, bridges, and buildings.
17. Recycling Domestic Wastes for Creative Makings
Recycled plastic bottles, cups, and utensils can be used for making various creative products. Depending on your creativity, you may even turn them into something useful.
18. Cooking Oil Filtration and Recycling Business
This is an eco-friendly business idea for you. You can use the leftovers from cooking to filter and recycle them into healthy products.
Petroleum oils aren’t just used for frying foods; they’re also useful for making plastics, paints, lubricants, and so forth. You can even filter and reuse them for further use.
19. Water Recycling Plant Business
It may benefit society in general if we recycle wastewater and turn it into drinkable water. We can use our profits from doing so to invest in new technologies to further improve the quality of life.
20. Farm Waste Recycling Business
You can reuse old tires for various purposes. They can be cut into small pieces and then put into the fire to burn out. They can also be melted down to make steel.
Old tires can be reused in agriculture. They can be ground into powder and mixed with water to make fertilizer. In addition, they can be made into bricks and tiles. Tires can be repaired and reused.
21. Cartridge Recycling Business
This is an easy recycling project that could be profitable. You can start a cartridge refilling station and sell recycled cartridges to companies and individuals.
22. Medical Waste Recycling Business
Medical waste is usually considered harmful and dangerous. However, if you’re able to recycle some of these materials, you could earn lots of money.
23. Recycling Plant Business
You need a lot of money to start this business but your profits will also be huge. In this business, instead of buying raw materials, you will purchase recycled garbage or scrap from the collector and turn it into finished products.
24. Utensils Recycling Business
We often discard our old tools. However, they may be the source of your recycled product idea. Most of the tools are made of metal, copper, or steel. In your recycling plant, you can process them into new tools.
You can also market them to other businesses. Or you can just resell them to make money.
25. Organic Composting
Vermicomposting is an excellent method of recycling organic materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells, banana peels, and so forth. You can produce high-quality compost in your backyard without spending too much money.
If you’re serious about launching a recycling business, then try to collect as much info as possible. Here is a startup guide for doing so.
Tips To Start a Recycling Business
Recyclers who know how to start a successful recycling company can earn good cash by selling recycled products. For example, they may sell computer parts made from recycled metals.
If you’re interested in starting a recycling business, check out our guide on how to
To start a recycling company, you must first know where to get rid of your recyclables and where to sell them. You must also be able to identify the needs of people who want to recycle their waste. If there are no other companies in your area that already offer such services, then you may consider starting one yourself.
Determine what kind of recycling service you can provide. Check whether there are any existing businesses in your area that offer similar services. Choose the appropriate products.
Write a detailed marketing strategy. You should also include details about how much money you expect to spend on advertisements. Also, consider including information about how much cash you’ll require to start your company. Finally, write down everything you know about running a successful recycling company.
You need to obtain a business license from the local authorities before starting any kind of business. Check the relevant laws for your area.
Frequently Asked Questions on Recycling Business:
Recycling is not a profitable business.
Yes, most experts agree that the future of the recycling market looks bright. Many large companies are now using recyclable materials for their manufacturing processes. For instance, major multinational corporations such as American Airlines and Coca-Cola have adopted this approach in their purchasing systems.
How much cash do you need to start an eco-friendly recycling business?
Depending on the scale and nature (or type) of the recycling operation, an initial startup cost may include a processing plant, collection vehicles, salaries for employees, and other expenses.
You should decide for yourself which kind of waste management company you want to run. Most important, figure out what kinds of items people throw away and then start a company that deals with them.
You may like to read:Â These 20 Oil and Gas Business Ideas Will Get You Started
