In autumn 2026, recycling centers in Ukraine are offering between 2.5 and 5 hryvnias per kilogram of waste paper. The final price depends on the type of paper, the size of the batch, and the region. This was reported by Socportal citing 24 Kanal, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Turning in paper waste, such as old books, archives, newspapers, or cardboard, provides an opportunity for a small supplementary income. According to current data, pricing at collection points is tiered based on the quality of the material and how it is sorted.
Cost of secondary raw materials
Clean office documents and archives receive the highest valuation, with prices ranging from 3.5 to 5 hryvnias per kilogram. Periodicals, books, and magazines are valued between 3 and 5 hryvnias, while corrugated cardboard and shipping boxes are accepted at prices ranging from 2.5 to 5 hryvnias per kilogram.
For a household budget, this can be significant when accumulating large volumes. For instance, 20 kilograms of office paper at an average price of 4 hryvnias per unit can generate about 80 hryvnias, while 10 kilograms of cardboard packaging can yield between 30 and 50 hryvnias.
Rules for preparing waste paper
The final payout depends on the specific conditions of the collection point, which may include requirements for minimum batch weight or the availability of pickup services. It is recommended to check current rates in your chosen region before visiting.
To avoid having your batch valued at the lowest category, experts advise sorting the materials: cardboard, white office paper, and books should be stacked separately. It is also important to remove foreign objects, including plastic folders, document covers, metal paper clips, coils, and adhesive tape.
The condition of the waste paper is a critical factor for processors: it must be dry and clean. Materials showing signs of mold, dampness, or contamination with oils may be rejected entirely or valued significantly lower, as they are unsuitable for further recycling.
Illustrative photo: H005 / Public domain
