Business from scratch to recycling

In European countries, up to 80% of household waste is returned to production. In Russia, the recycling system is being revived. This is economically beneficial for processors and gives many entrepreneurs a good chance to open their business with minimal investment in 2017.

About 4 million hectares of land in Russia are occupied by landfills, and it is no coincidence that 2017 was declared the year of ecology. The federal budget includes funds for concessional lending for waste disposal activities. For those who start a business from scratch, recycling ideas will be interesting, since this business does not require large investments, and the need for enterprises is constantly growing. Since there are a lot of varieties of "useful garbage", we will review the recyclable materials in demand in Russia.

What types of waste are in demand

Expecting to open a business in 2017, you need to know what kind of waste is of interest to existing producers in the city, region. Demand and prices are determined by actual and potential buyers. The most profitable is the processing of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, glass and waste paper (Table 1).

Secondary raw materials in Russia are used in almost all industries, the demand for it is growing. Prices vary in different regions, they are determined by the needs of local producers.

1. Car tires.

This is one of the most promising areas for starting a business from scratch, ideas in this direction deserve special attention. The volume of discarded tires in Russia in 2015 amounted to about 940 thousand tons. More than 80% goes to landfill (of which 20% is burned), and only 17% is mechanically processed. The content of usable components is shown in tab. 2, potential market capacity - in fig. one.

Most often, worn tires are processed into crumb rubber. The material is cheaper than rubber synthetics by 2-3 times. The market is in the initial stage of development, but prices have already formed, there is a demand and a steady supply. Certain requirements are imposed on the initial raw material: waste must comply with GOST 8407-89, it must be clean, have a residual layer of rubber, and whole sides. Tires with rims, spikes, mixed rubber and metal products are usually not accepted.

2. Waste paper

In 2013-2015, prices for waste paper increased by almost 60%, its export is currently prohibited, and sales are exempt from VAT. This is a traditional raw material in demand on the market; GOST 10700-97 has been developed for it. According to this document, the used paper is divided by composition into 15 classes, and 3 groups by quality. The most expensive variety: white drawing, writing, copying (MS-1A), the cheapest - wallpaper, packaging, poster (MS-13V).

Raw materials are universally accepted for processing by factories for the production of:

1. paper, containers, packaging corrugated cardboard (in relevant ones);
2. linoleum, roofing insulation materials, vinyl leather;
3. toilet paper, napkins, disposable medical underwear.

Quality requirements depend on the direction of recycling. The paper must be cleaned, sorted, packed (pressed) into briquettes weighing 50 kg or more. This processing saves storage space and reduces transportation costs.

3. Scrap metal (black and non-ferrous).

The most profitable business, however, its organization is the most expensive of all types of recycling. This is due to the need to obtain a license, the rules and conditions for obtaining it, as well as handling scrap metal, are regulated by two main Decrees:

1. on licensing of procurement, storage, processing - No. 1287, 12.12.2012;
2. on the handling of scrap and non-ferrous metal waste - No. 370, 05/11/2001

Harvesting includes the purchase of scrap from individuals and organizations, transportation and sale. Mandatory requirements: drawing up acceptance certificates, monitoring for radioactivity and explosion safety. This entails the purchase of special equipment, training and confirmation of the qualifications of workers.

Licensing conditions, OKVED codes for ferrous metal and non-ferrous metal are different. This is a competitive activity, however, in regions with a developed metallurgical and metalworking industry, it brings a good income. The opportunity to open your own business in this area is simplified if you use a franchise offer, they are on the market.

4. Used batteries.

About 65% of the metal is recovered from old batteries and used in the production of new batteries. The main part is lead (up to 17 kg), and in addition: nickel, zinc, cobalt, silver oxides. This is economically beneficial for businesses, so the average acceptance prices for this type of recyclables are high. For example, in Novosibirsk there are more than 50 companies that buy batteries, and the cost ranges from 570 (45Ah) to 3,400 (220Ah) rubles.

Common places for collecting batteries: garage cooperatives, active highways, transport companies, car repair services. Reception points are usually located there, ads are posted. Considering that most car owners are just too lazy to specifically look for a place to turn in a used battery, they give them away for 150-200 rubles.

However, the collection and storage of batteries are subject to licensing. These are wastes of 3-4 hazard classes, and work with them is regulated by two federal laws: No. 89-FZ (06/24/1998) and No. 99-FZ (05/04/2011). The license is issued for both the individual entrepreneur and the organization. It notes a specific type of activity, so you can limit yourself to collecting batteries, including their disposal (draining the electrolyte).

5. Polymer waste (PET bottles).

This type of recyclables is represented by waste from plastic production, and household waste from the population. If the former go into secondary processing by 80%, then used bags, packaging, disposable tableware litter recreation areas, large and medium-sized cities everywhere. The share of plastic in the total volume of garbage is more than 60-70%. The PET bottle holds the palm among polymers.

The main consumers are companies producing building materials, plastic film, and plastic household products. Demand for it clearly exceeds supply (Fig. 2). Delivery and acceptance prices depend on the quality, purity and degree of processing of the material. Thus, landfill waste costs 2-3 times lower than household sorted waste. The most primitive processing that PET undergoes:

• cleaning of covers, labels;
• sorting by color;
• pressing into bags.

Inexpensive mini plastic recycling plants significantly increase the profitability of a business. For example, landfill PET waste is accepted at a price of up to 6 rubles / kg, LDPE waste - from 10 rubles / kg, washed and sorted used film - at 11-13 rubles / kg, and granules and agglomerate already cost 25-35 rub/kg. Despite the fact that the cost of a new Russian-made film varies from 39 to 49 rubles / kg.

In fact, the plastic recycling market in Russia is just emerging. Experts estimate its potential at $150 million. Of all types of polymer waste harvesting: collection points, separation from garbage, separate collection of household waste - the latter is the most efficient from an economic point of view.

6. Broken glass and glass containers.

Along with waste paper - old, and in-demand recyclables. Glass breaker has taken the place of solid dishes for a simple reason. Manufacturers began to produce such original bottles and cans that it makes it very difficult to reuse them.

It is required always and everywhere. Two years ago, the Ekran plant in Novosibirsk began to open collection points for recyclables from the population, since a lack of it hinders production. He needs cullet in quantities of up to 5 tons per month, and with the help of suppliers (including other regions) he manages to collect only 1.5-2 tons.

A glass container collection point justifies itself if, for example, a brewery is located nearby. Thus, Baltika uses up to 36% of the recycled bottle. But cullet is even more profitable, as it expands the list of potential suppliers. These can be window package installation companies, you can install containers for separate collection in yards. Glass makes up about 17% of household waste.

7. Computer scrap.

Old electrical equipment, computers, telephones are in great demand, as evidenced by a simple query in Yandex (Fig. 3). At the same time, scrap prices are very good (Fig. 4). This activity is usually carried out through licensed intermediary firms associated with processors of raw materials. They themselves are engaged in disassembly and sorting, forming batches for the delivery of a rather large volume (from 300 kg).

This is a good option for starting a business from scratch if you organize a reception point in a high-rise residential area. In almost every apartment there is a lot of such rubbish that has been lying in the corners for years, and is simply thrown into the trash. Simply because there is no place nearby where you can rent it, even for little money.

The collection of equipment containing precious metals does not require licensing, but the company must be registered with the Assay Office. Therefore, in order not to do without obtaining permits at the first stage, you can conduct business under an agreement with one of these companies, representing in your city or region.

Finally.

In total, there are three main sources of recyclables:

• reception directly from the public,
• export of marriage, waste from organizations, enterprises;
• collection, transportation from solid waste landfills.

The latter is the most stable, although for its implementation it will be necessary to conclude an agreement with the municipal housing and communal services. It is necessary to provide for the costs of specialized equipment, which are usually small. In general, this activity does not require licensing, with the exception of working with scrap metal and hazardous waste (batteries, mercury). It falls under the patent system of taxation - the most beneficial for a small business.