Indonesia’s plastic recycling industry is expected to grow 12-18% annually until 2030, driven by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and rising global demand for recycled pellets.
Promising Business Ideas in Plastic Recycling
- Community waste bank (startup capital < $700)
- Sorting and collection center ($3,500–$14,000)
- Plastic shredding/flaking business (shredder machine $5,000–$21,000)
- Pellet production highest profit margin
- Manufacturing finished goods (paving blocks, bags, furniture)
Latest Buying Prices for Used Plastic (December 2025)
- Clean clear PET: $0.80–$0.95/kg
- Colored HDPE: $0.60–$0.75/kg
- Clear PP: $0.68–$0.82/kg
- Clean white plastic bags: $0.34–$0.48/kg
Tips to Start a Successful Plastic Recycling Business
- Begin with a small waste bank to learn the flow
- Partner with waste pickers and neighborhood associations
- Only buy clean, dry plastic to maintain quality
- Secure long-term buyers (pellet factories or exporters)
- Apply for environmental grants or corporate CSR programs
Success Stories
- Waste4Change – manages corporate waste for major companies
- Plasticpay – lets people exchange plastic waste for e-wallet credit
- Rebricks – produces paving blocks from mixed plastic waste
With the government’s roadmap targeting a 30% reduction in plastic waste by 2029, the plastic recycling business is not only financially rewarding but also creates massive social and environmental impact.
