Often, but not always, so calculate it per fraction. Buyers pay more for one clean material than for a mix, because mixed waste needs extra processing and is sold at the price of its cheapest component.
A simple formula:
- Sorting gain = (price of the sorted material − price of the mixed material) × volume − cost of sorting.
If the result is positive, sorting that fraction pays off; if it is negative, it does not under current conditions.
Sorting usually pays off most for metals (especially non-ferrous), clean plastic film and rigid plastics, cardboard and textiles of one fibre. Remember the hidden costs: staff time, storage space, containers, a baler, and the risk of mistakes that downgrade a whole load.
If sorting a fraction does not pay off, look for a buyer or a service company that takes the mixed material, or start with the one or two fractions with the biggest price difference.
On ReWasteHub you can sell sorted fractions as listings, and find sorting, baling and collection services or equipment in the Equipment and Services categories.