The Complete Guide to Selling OCC Waste Paper Scrap in India
Everything you need to know about grading, baling, purity, and pricing — and how to get the best deal every time.
📋 What’s in this guide
India is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for recycled paper — and at the heart of this revolution lies OCC (Old Corrugated Cardboard). Millions of metric tonnes are generated every year across homes, warehouses, e-commerce hubs, factories, and retail chains. Yet a significant portion is sold at below-market rates, simply because sellers don’t know how to grade their material, what fair pricing looks like, or who to trust.
That’s exactly why we created this guide. At Matvex Trade, we believe that an informed seller is a better partner. Whether you’re a kabadiwala aggregator, a logistics company, or a large industrial generator — this guide will help you understand the process, maximise your returns, and sell with confidence.
1 What is OCC?
OCC stands for Old Corrugated Cardboard — the familiar brown, ribbed cardboard used in shipping boxes, packaging cartons, and retail packaging. It is one of the most recyclable and highest-value categories of waste paper available in India.
When collected and processed correctly, OCC is recycled back into new cardboard and packaging material, reducing the need for virgin wood pulp and significantly cutting carbon emissions. This makes OCC not just a commodity — it’s a critical input for India’s circular economy.
- Single-wall and double-wall corrugated boxes
- Brown shipping cartons from e-commerce and logistics
- Retail packaging boxes (free of plastic lamination)
- Cardboard tubes and rolls (check with us for grade classification)
- Not included: waxed cardboard, heavily contaminated boxes, or cardboard mixed with plastic or foam
2 Understanding Grading
In the waste paper industry, grading is everything. The grade of your OCC material directly determines how much you’ll be paid per metric tonne. Grading refers to the classification of your waste paper based on its composition, cleanliness, and usability for recycling.
Matvex follows internationally recognised grading standards aligned with ISRI specifications, adapted for the Indian market. Here are the primary OCC grades we accept:
| Grade | Purity Level | Market Value | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCC 11 (Super) | 95%+ | Very High | Export / Premium Mills |
| OCC 12 (Double) | 90–94% | High | Large Paper Mills |
| OCC 13 (Mixed) | 80–89% | Medium | Domestic Mills |
| Mixed / Low Grade | <80% | Lower | Recycling Centres |
- Remove tape, staples, and plastic strapping before baling
- Keep boxes dry — moisture dramatically reduces grade and value
- Separate corrugated cardboard from flat chipboard and cartons
- Avoid mixing OCC with newspaper, office paper, or magazines
- Store in a covered area to prevent humidity and rain damage
3 Why Purity Matters More Than Volume
One of the most misunderstood concepts in waste paper trading is purity. Many sellers assume the more material they have, the better. Experienced traders know that purity — the percentage of actual OCC material free from contaminants — is what truly drives value.
What lowers purity?
- Plastic bags, films, or bubble wrap mixed in with cardboard
- Food waste or liquid contamination
- Styrofoam or foam packaging
- Non-corrugated paperboard or chipboard
- Metal staples or wires (beyond acceptable limits)
- Wet or mouldy cardboard
What Matvex looks for in a high-purity load
- Consistent corrugated fluting — the wavy middle layer of the cardboard
- Minimal visible contamination across the bale or loose material
- Dry, intact boxes — not shredded or compressed beyond recognition
- Evidence that material has been source-segregated at point of collection
- We never penalise you unfairly for minor contamination — our trained graders give you an honest assessment
- We provide transparent deduction calculations if a contamination adjustment is required
- You are always welcome to watch the grading process at our facility
4 Baling: How Preparation Maximises Your Earnings
Baling is the process of compressing loose waste paper into compact, dense blocks using a baling machine. Proper baling is one of the most effective ways to increase the value and efficiency of your OCC sale — reducing transport costs and making your material more attractive to buyers and mills alike.
Baling standards we accept
- Bale weight: 200–500 kg per bale (preferred)
- Bale dimensions: Typically 1000mm × 700mm × 500mm
- Ties/strapping: Minimum 4 ties per bale — no loose or broken ties
- Bale density: 300–450 kg/m³ is ideal for OCC
- Matvex accepts loose OCC material — we handle baling at our processing facility
- For large volumes, we can arrange on-site baling support as part of our service
- For businesses generating 5+ tonnes per month, ask about our dedicated baling programme
5 How OCC is Priced in India
OCC prices in India fluctuate based on a combination of domestic and international factors. Understanding what drives pricing helps you time your sales and negotiate with confidence.
Key factors that influence OCC prices
- Export demand: Global demand from China and Southeast Asia heavily influences Indian OCC rates
- Domestic mill demand: Indian paper mill capacity and raw material requirements set the floor price
- Logistics costs: Freight rates — both domestic and international — affect net pricing
- Currency fluctuations: The INR/USD exchange rate directly impacts export-linked pricing
- Seasonal variation: Monsoon seasons reduce collection volumes and can push prices up temporarily
- Market sentiment: News from major mills or policy changes can shift prices within weeks
- Indicative OCC rates are updated regularly — ask our team for the current rate
- All pricing is based on certified weighbridge readings — no estimates, no guesswork
- We offer contract pricing for bulk or regular sellers, locking in rates for stability
- We always explain how we arrived at your quote, in plain language
6 How to Sell OCC to Matvex: Step by Step
Selling to Matvex is designed to be simple, fast, and completely transparent. Here is exactly what happens when you partner with us:
Contact Matvex
Submit an enquiry via matvextrade.com, call us, or reach out on WhatsApp. Tell us what you have, how much, and where you are located.
Material Assessment
Share photos, weight estimates, and grade info. Our team reviews your material and provides a preliminary quote — often within hours.
Pickup or Delivery
We arrange logistics for loads of 2 tonnes and above, or you can deliver directly to our processing facility. We work around your schedule.
Certified Weighing & Grading
Every load is weighed on a certified weighbridge and assessed by our trained graders. You receive a printed weight slip and full transparency on grading decisions.
Same-Day Payment
Payment is processed the same day or next business day via NEFT, RTGS, or UPI. No waiting, no delays.
- Approximate quantity (in kg or tonnes)
- Type of material — OCC, mixed paper, newspaper, etc.
- Whether material is baled or loose
- Your location or preferred pickup point
- A few photos of the material (WhatsApp works perfectly)
7 Who Should Sell to Matvex?
Matvex works with a wide range of sellers across India’s waste paper supply chain. Whether you are a small aggregator or a large industrial generator, we have the capacity and expertise to serve you.
E-Commerce & Logistics
Fulfilment centres, last-mile hubs, and courier companies generating daily corrugated box volumes.
Manufacturing Plants
FMCG, food processors, and consumer goods companies with regular packaging waste.
Modern Retail
Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and retail distribution centres with large cardboard volumes.
Kabadiwala Networks
Aggregators and waste collectors consolidating material from residential and commercial sources.
Commercial Contractors
Office relocations, refurbishments, and building clearances generating bulk paper waste.
Paper & Packaging
Manufacturers and exporters who need a reliable domestic buyer during slow export cycles.
- We accept a minimum of 500 kg per transaction for most locations
- For regular volumes under 500 kg, ask about our aggregation programme
- There is no upper limit — we regularly handle single transactions of 50+ tonnes
8 Why Choose Matvex?
There are hundreds of scrap dealers and waste paper traders across India. Here is what makes Matvex the partner serious sellers choose.
Deep Industry Expertise
Our team has decades of combined experience in waste paper and recycling — we understand international grading, local market dynamics, and mill requirements.
Certified Transparent Weighing
Every transaction uses certified weighbridge readings. You receive a printed weight slip for every load. No estimates, no under-weighing — ever.
Fast, Reliable Payment
Same-day or next-business-day settlement via NEFT, RTGS, or UPI. We understand that cash flow matters to your business.
Nationwide Reach
We operate across major hubs including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Pune — with pickup logistics built in.
Sustainability Documentation
We provide documentation to support your ESG reporting — so your waste paper sale counts toward your sustainability disclosures.
Long-Term Partnerships
We build lasting relationships through consistent pricing and honest communication. Many of our suppliers have been with us for 5+ years.
9 Frequently Asked Questions
Is my material OCC or something else?
If you’re unsure, just send us photos via WhatsApp or email. Our team will classify your material and give you a preliminary grade and value indication — usually within a few hours.
What if my OCC has some contamination?
Minor contamination is completely normal. We will assess the level of contamination, explain any deductions transparently, and still aim to provide you the best possible net price. We never disqualify loads for minor contamination.
Do you provide pickup services?
Yes. Matvex arranges logistics for most locations, especially for loads of 2 tonnes and above. For smaller quantities, we will advise on the most cost-effective delivery options.
Can I get a price before bringing my material?
Absolutely. Contact us with your material details and we will provide a preliminary quote. Final pricing is always confirmed after certified weighing and grading at our facility.
Do you provide GST-compliant invoices?
Yes. Matvex provides GST-compliant purchase invoices for all transactions, along with weight slips and grading records on request.
What are your working hours?
Our team is available Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM IST. For large-volume coordination or urgent queries, contact us via WhatsApp for after-hours assistance.
Ready to Sell? Let’s Talk.
Get a quote, arrange pickup, and receive fast payment — all through one trusted partner.