Paper and Packaging in India
Recycling and the Waste Paper Economy
Collecting and sorting waste paper supports millions of livelihoods and reduces the need for fresh fibre.
Recycling is both an environmental and an economic story.
Collection
Households, offices and shops sell paper to collectors, who pass it up a chain of traders.
Sorting and grades
Waste paper is sorted by quality, and higher grades fetch better prices.
Limits to recycling
Paper fibres shorten each time they are recycled, so fresh fibre is still needed.
Livelihoods
Waste collection provides jobs for many low-income workers, though conditions are often hard.
Sorting by grade
White office paper sells at a higher price than mixed, dirty scrap.
Thinking paper can be recycled forever
Fibres weaken after several cycles.
Key takeaways
- Waste paper is a valuable input.
- Grades set prices.
- Fibres wear out.
- Waste picking provides many jobs.
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