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How to Launch a Plastic Bottles Recycling Business in Nigeria

How to Launch a Plastic Bottles Recycling Business in Nigeria

Home › How to Launch a Plastic Bottles Recycling Business in Nigeria


Nigeria’s streets, markets, and dumpsites are overflowing with plastic bottles, especially the clear PET ones used for water and soft drinks. These aren’t just waste—they’re a business opportunity waiting to be grabbed. With millions of bottles discarded daily and a growing demand for recycled materials, starting a plastic bottles recycling business in Nigeria is a smart, sustainable way to make money while cleaning up the environment. Here’s a straightforward guide to get you started, whether you’re working with a small budget or aiming to scale up.

Step 1: Know the Business and Plan Smart

First, understand what you’re getting into. Plastic bottles, particularly PET, are valuable because they can be turned into flakes or pellets for making new bottles, textiles, or other products. Your job is to collect these bottles, clean them, and either sell them as-is or process them into flakes for higher profits. Research who buys recycled plastics—factories in places like Lagos, Aba, or Kano are always looking for raw materials.

You’ll also need to know where bottles are abundant: think markets, event venues, or residential areas.

Decide if you’ll just collect and sell or invest in shredding equipment to process bottles yourself. Lastly, get legal by registering your business with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for about ₦10,000–₦50,000 and securing a waste handling permit from your state’s environmental agency, which might cost ₦20,000–₦100,000.

Step 2: Gather Your Funds

You can start small with ₦500,000 or go bigger with ₦5 million, depending on your setup. If you’re just collecting bottles to sell, you’ll need less cash—maybe ₦500,000 for transport and storage. Processing bottles into flakes requires more, around ₦2–5 million for equipment like shredders and washing tanks.

Fund this through personal savings, loans from microfinance banks like LAPO, or government programs like the Bank of Industry’s SME loans.

You could also try crowdfunding by sharing your idea on social media platforms like X. Expect to spend on a used van or tricycle (₦500,000–₦1.5 million), a shredder (₦500,000–₦2 million), rent for a workspace (₦100,000–₦500,000/year), and wages for workers (₦20,000–₦50,000/month each).

Step 3: Set Up Your Operation


Find a workspace near bottle sources—like a market or dumpsite—to cut transport costs. A small warehouse with water and electricity is ideal for washing and shredding.

For equipment, start with sacks and a wheelbarrow for collection, or a tricycle for bigger hauls. If processing, get a shredder to turn bottles into flakes and tanks for washing. Your process is simple: collect bottles, sort out PET from other plastics, remove labels and caps, wash them clean, shred them into flakes, dry them, and pack them into sacks. Partner with local waste pickers or set up collection points at schools or estates, paying ₦20–₦50/kg to encourage supply. A small team of 2–5 workers can handle sorting and cleaning to start.

Step 4: Find Buyers for Your Bottles or Flakes

Connect with plastic manufacturers who need PET flakes for new products—think bottle makers or textile factories in industrial hubs.

You can sell raw bottles for ₦20–₦50/kg or processed flakes for ₦100–₦200/kg, depending on quality. Some businesses even export flakes for $500–$800/ton through Lagos ports. Reach out to buyers by visiting factories, joining recycling groups, or posting on X with hashtags like #PlasticRecycling or #WasteToWealth.

Step 5: Grow and Promote Your Business

Get the word out using X, WhatsApp, or Instagram to share your story and attract suppliers or buyers. Offer small rewards like cash or airtime to people who bring you bottles. To scale up, add more collection points in other cities, upgrade to better equipment for cleaner flakes, or hire more waste pickers to boost your supply.

Overcoming Challenges

Running this business isn’t without hurdles. Bottle supply can be inconsistent, so build a strong network of pickers and collection points with fair pay. Transport costs can eat into profits—stick to local sources and buyers or use tricycles to save fuel. Competition from informal recyclers is real, but you can stand out by offering high-quality, clean flakes.

Profit Potential

Here’s the exciting part: profits. Collecting and selling 1 ton of bottles at ₦30/kg brings in ₦30,000; processing into flakes at ₦150/kg earns ₦150,000. Handle 5 tons a month, and you’re looking at ₦150,000–₦750,000 in revenue, minus ₦100,000–₦300,000 in costs (labor, rent, fuel). That’s a 50–70% profit margin. With a ₦2 million startup, you could recover your investment in 6–12 months if you stay consistent.

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Quick Tips for Success

  • Start with collection to test the waters before buying processing equipment.
  • Pay waste pickers and buyers on time to build trust.
  • Check local environmental rules to avoid trouble.
  • Use X to stay updated on Nigeria’s recycling trends and connect with others in the space.

Take the First Step Today

Ready to turn trash into cash? Start by visiting a nearby market or dumpsite to see how many bottles you can source. Talk to waste pickers about supplying you regularly. Check out equipment on platforms like Jiji or Jumia for affordable deals. Register your business online with CAC, and post on X to find buyers or partners—something like, “Kicking off a plastic recycling hustle in Abuja, who’s buying PET flakes? #RecyclingNigeria.” With Nigeria’s endless supply of plastic bottles and a hungry market for recycled materials, this business is your chance to make money and make a difference. Get started now!

Useful Resources & Links (all live ):

1. Scrapays – Complete Guide to Plastic Recycling in Nigeria
2. StartupTipsDaily – Plastic Recycling Business Plan
3. CAC Official Business Name Registration
4. Jiji.ng – Affordable Plastic Shredders & Grinders
5. Jumia Nigeria – Shredders & Recycling Equipment
6. Chanja Datti – Large-scale Recycling Company (Abuja)
7. Wigmore Wholesale – Buy/Sell PET Flakes
8. ScrapMonster – Directory of Plastic Recyclers in Nigeria
9. F6S – Top Plastic Recycling Companies in Nigeria
10. Entrepreneurs.ng – Profitability of Recycling Business
11. SMEDAN – Access Grants & Loans for SMEs
12. UNEP – Nigeria’s Fight Against Plastic Pollution
13. Going Green Recycling Nigeria
14. Exporting Plastic Waste from Lagos – Huge Opportunity
15. TradeFord – PET Flakes Buyers & Suppliers in Nigeria

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Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | Tags: Startup, Technology and innovation,