Enter your material type, weight, and currency to estimate how much revenue your recyclables could generate. The Recycling Revenue Calculator returns a total estimated revenue figure alongside a per-kilogram rate and a visual breakdown — based on 2026 global average recycling market prices.
Estimated Total Revenue
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Price Per Kilogram
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Weight Used (kg)
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Quality Adjustment
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Annual Revenue Projection (×12)
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Prices are based on estimated global recycling averages drawn from early 2026 market data. They reflect typical rates paid by recycling facilities and commodity buyers for common materials. Actual prices vary by region, facility, material purity, and real-time market conditions, so treat these figures as indicative estimates.
Copper wire is consistently among the highest-value recyclables, often worth several dollars per kilogram. Aluminum cans also command strong prices relative to their weight. Plastics like PET and HDPE are lower per kilogram but can add up in volume, while cardboard and paper generate modest revenue.
Yes, significantly. Recyclers apply quality grade adjustments that can shift prices by 20–40%. Clean, sorted materials (high quality) attract the best rates, while mixed or contaminated batches are often penalised. Sorting and cleaning your recyclables before sale is one of the easiest ways to increase revenue.
The calculator handles conversions automatically — just select your preferred unit (kg, lb, or metric tonne) from the 'Enter weight in' option and type your figure. One metric tonne equals 1,000 kg, and one pound equals approximately 0.4536 kg.
Absolutely. The calculator includes an annual projection field that multiplies your estimated monthly revenue by 12, giving you a ballpark annual figure. For large-scale operations, you can enter total tonnage per month and use the projection to plan budgets or evaluate new recycling streams.
Commodity prices for recyclables are influenced by local processing infrastructure, export regulations, domestic demand for secondary materials, and currency exchange rates. A tonne of aluminum in Australia may yield a different local-currency return than the same tonne in Germany, even if the underlying commodity price is similar.
Not always. Scrap metal prices from yards often reflect the finished commodity market but are adjusted for processing costs, contamination, and profit margin. Recycling facility tipping fees, transport costs, and minimum load requirements can also reduce your net revenue compared to the raw commodity price.
Recycling commodity prices — especially metals like aluminum and copper — can fluctuate daily based on global markets. Paper and plastic prices tend to shift more slowly, often monthly or quarterly, driven by demand from manufacturers and changes in import/export policy (e.g. China's National Sword policy significantly impacted plastic values).