Collecting and reselling scrap metal and cardboard to recyclers
Starting costs about 151,000 NGN in Nigeria and 36,300 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 301,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 43,600 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 4 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 243 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 151,000 NGN | 301,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 36,300 KES | 43,600 KES |
| India | 15,900 INR | 31,800 INR |
| Philippines | 17,800 PHP | 24,900 PHP |
| South Africa | 5,590 ZAR | 8,380 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Shops, workshops and households throw away or pile up metal and cardboard that is worth money, because nobody comes to collect it.
The solution
A regular round that collects for free or buys cheaply scrap iron, aluminium, copper and cardboard, then sorts, weighs and sells it in batches to recyclers.
Your customers
Garages, metal workshops, building sites, supermarkets and shops receiving lots of boxes, plus households clearing out yards and storerooms.
How you make money
Margin between the buying price and the price per kilo paid by recyclers, plus a small pick-up fee for large volumes.
Competition
Established scrap dealers, informal collectors, municipal collection and recycling firms that collect directly from big clients.
Who has an edge
Regular visits, honest weighing in front of the client and careful sorting that gets better prices from recyclers.
The risks
Metal prices that swing a lot, local permits to transport, store or buy waste, stolen items to refuse, injuries and physical work.
The first 3 steps
- Visit local recyclers and note their prices per kilo
- Ask the local authority about collection and storage permits
- Offer free pick-up to ten nearby shops and workshops
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €2,400 − costs €1,500 = €900 net per month. Revenue: 12 tonnes × €200 per tonne on average. Costs: buying materials, transport, fuel, storage, equipment, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Scrap metal and cardboard?
About 151,000 NGN (Nigeria), 36,300 KES (Kenya), 15,900 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 243 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 301,000 NGN (Nigeria), 43,600 KES (Kenya), 31,800 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 4 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Metal prices that swing a lot, local permits to transport, store or buy waste, stolen items to refuse, injuries and physical work.
Where do I start?
1. Visit local recyclers and note their prices per kilo 2. Ask the local authority about collection and storage permits 3. Offer free pick-up to ten nearby shops and workshops
Similar ideas
- Doorstep recycling collection by subscriptionDoorstep recycling pickup
- Workshop turning recycled plastic into productsRecycled plastic products
- Food-waste collection and composting for restaurantsRestaurant food-waste compost
- Remote waste-reduction consulting for small businessesWaste-reduction consulting
Register your business in your country
Belgium · Brazil · Cameroon · Colombia · France · Ivory Coast · Mexico · Morocco · Peru · Portugal · Senegal · Spain