Doorstep recycling collection by subscription
Starting costs about $9,370 in the United States and 1,660,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $1,790 net per month in the United States and 452,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 11 months, with 40 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 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $9,370 | $1,790 |
| Nigeria | 1,660,000 NGN | 452,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £6,420 | £1,170 |
| Kenya | 421,000 KES | 58,100 KES |
| India | 212,000 INR | 42,400 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Many households and small shops sort poorly or not at all because separate collection is impractical, or they lack space or time to reach drop-off points.
The solution
Weekly pickup of sorted recyclables (paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, glass) from subscribers, then sold or handed over to recycling channels.
Your customers
Apartment households or neighbourhoods without convenient sorting, offices, small shops, cafés and schools producing lots of packaging.
How you make money
€5-15 per month per household, €30-150 per business, plus sale of sorted materials by weight.
Competition
Municipal collection, informal waste pickers, commercial waste companies and residents who take materials to drop-off points themselves.
Who has an edge
An organised person with a van or cargo bike who knows local buyers of recyclables and can build loyalty in one neighbourhood.
The risks
Volatile material prices, rules on transporting waste, and unprofitable rounds if subscribers are too spread out.
The first 3 steps
- List local recyclable buyers and their prices.
- Pitch the subscription to fifty homes in one neighbourhood.
- Run a weekly round with fifteen subscribers for a month.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €3,000 − costs €1,800 = €1,200 net per month. Revenue: 150 homes × €10 + 15 businesses × €80 + €300 materials. Costs: van, fuel, bags and bins, insurance, 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: Doorstep recycling pickup?
About $9,370 (United States), 1,660,000 NGN (Nigeria), £6,420 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $1,790 (United States), 452,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,170 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 11 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Volatile material prices, rules on transporting waste, and unprofitable rounds if subscribers are too spread out.
Where do I start?
1. List local recyclable buyers and their prices. 2. Pitch the subscription to fifty homes in one neighbourhood. 3. Run a weekly round with fifteen subscribers for a month.
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