How is paper and cardboard scrap actually priced — per kilo, per tonne, and what moves that price?
Short answer: Paper and cardboard is typically priced per tonne rather than per kilogram given the volumes involved, referencing broader recycled-fibre commodity markets that move with overall supply (including how much packaging is being generated), demand from paper mills, and export market conditions — grade (OCC versus mixed paper), cleanliness, and whether it's baled or loose all affect where your specific price lands within that broader market range.
Skip the phone calls. List your paper or cardboard once and let verified buyers on ScrapTrade come to you with real offers.
List Free →The pricing unit
Because paper and cardboard trades in high volumes relative to its value, pricing is generally quoted per tonne rather than per kilogram, which is more typical for metals — this reflects the practical scale most paper transactions happen at.
What drives the underlying market rate
Broader recycled-fibre commodity markets respond to overall packaging and paper supply, demand from mills that turn the material back into new paper products, and export market access — all of which can shift meaningfully over time, sometimes quickly.
What determines your specific price within that market
Grade (clean OCC prices better than mixed paper), cleanliness (dry and contamination-free matters), and format (baled material is often easier and cheaper for a buyer to handle than loose) are the main factors that place your particular load within the broader market range.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
ScrapTrade’s listings reflect real current buyer interest rather than a stale published rate, which matters more for paper than most materials given how much its pricing can move.
Ready to sell or source paper and cardboard scrap without the guesswork? ScrapTrade connects verified buyers and sellers with escrow-protected payments and transparent weighing.
List or Find Paper Scrap on ScrapTrade →