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India ranks among the top 10 countries globally in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, producing over 62 million tonnes (MT) waste annually, according to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). However, only 43 MT of waste is collected, with 12 MT treated, while 31 MT is improperly discarded, posing significant environmental and public health risks. 

Against this growing tide of waste, waste pickers shoulder the disproportionate burden of keeping our cities clean. However, their working conditions put them at risk of exposure to hazardous waste, bacteria, and toxins, affecting their health significantly.

“When I learned about the high number of garbage collectors who die while sorting waste in dump yards and the enormous demand for scrap, I knew something had to change,” Sachin Garg, Founder, Scrapbuddy, tells YourStory.

The Delhi-based startup, founded in 2023, wants to make it easier to collect waste products from consumers and recycle them. 

Initially bootstrapped with Rs 10 lakh from personal savings, the startup has recycled over one million kilograms of PET scrap in Delhi-NCR.

How it works?

Scrapbuddy offers a dual approach to waste collection through its website and mobile app. Users can schedule waste pickups at their doorstep for recyclable items, including plastic bottles, paper, polythene, cans, electronic items, vehicles, and old furniture. 

It collects waste from both individual households and corporate entities, and has partnered with over 10,000 houses, shops, and societies in the Delhi-NCR region for regular waste collection. The platform looks for a minimum order requirement of Rs 200. 

The prices are provided per kilogram or per piece, depending on the type of scrap. For example, old newspapers are priced at Rs 20/kg, while a refrigerator is priced at Rs 1,000/piece.

The collected waste is then transported to a centralised facility, where it is further segregated and processed.

There are specialised processes to recycle different types of waste, such as converting cardboard into new products and plastic waste into pellets for manufacturing. Dedicated facilities for dismantling and recycling e-waste are also in place.

To ensure smooth operations, the startup has onboarded around 250 informal waste pickers from 80 segregation centers in Delhi-NCR. 

“By leveraging their existing network and expertise, we enhance our operations while empowering local communities,” says Garg. This approach also brings more structure to the informal waste management sector.

Scrapbuddy, with its team of eight employees, operates through a network of over 100 small collection centers in Delhi-NCR for initial sorting. Quality-assured scrap is sent to recyclers, while the remaining material is centralised at its Mundka location. 

The startup sells scrap to recyclers and ensures optimal prices. The web-based platform and mobile app enables users to track the status of their collections, while waste collection vehicles equipped with GPS devices ensure efficient transportation.

“Providing convenient scheduling and efficient service is crucial,” he says. 

Speaking about challenges, the founder says, Scrapbuddy faced challenges in creating the necessary technology and assembling the right team. “I had experience dealing with scrap dealers and knew a few recyclers, which helped us pace things up,” he explains. 

Despite these advantages, developing the tech and finding the right people were significant hurdles. However, constant effort and time helped overcome these obstacles,” Garg adds.

Building sustainable waste management ecosystem

Before Scrapbuddy, Garg founded Garg Global Metal, a B2B metal recycling startup, in 2019. His experience in the scrap metal trading industry and connections with scrap dealers and recyclers played a crucial role in shaping Scrapbuddy. 

According to Garg, looking at the high number of garbage worker fatalities due to unsafe sorting practices in dump yards and the high demand for scrap materials despite limited supply motivated him to venture into the space. 

“These insights inspired me to address the challenges of the circular economy by promoting on-source segregation and ensuring recycling, rather than allowing waste to be dumped or incinerated,” he says.

Emphasising the importance of structured collection systems, GPS tracking, digital platforms, training, safety gear, and healthcare access for better working conditions for waste collectors, Garg says, “These measures reduce inefficiencies, ensure timely pickups, and contribute to a more sustainable waste management ecosystem, benefiting both the workers and the environment.”

The market and growth

The India Waste Management market size is estimated at $12.90 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $17.30 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.10% during the forecast period, according to Mordor Intelligence. 

Scrapbuddy currently competes with Madhya Pradesh-based The Kabadiwala, and other local players in Delhi-NCR.

However, what sets it apart from other players, according to Garg, is its on-demand doorstep pickup service, expanded waste collection scope, decentralised network of collection centers, integrated technology, and strong focus on environmental responsibility. 

“These factors set us apart from traditional kabadiwalas, promoting a more structured and efficient scrap management system,” says Garg.

In its first year of operations, the company collected approximately one lakh kg of waste daily, and achieved a 15% quarter-on-quarter growth, generating revenue of Rs 80 lakh.

“Our platform’s efficiency and the dedication of our team have been key drivers of our success,” says Garg.

The startup generated Rs 1 crore revenue in FY 2023-2024, and over Rs 60 lakh from April to June 2024. It aims to reach Rs 500 crore revenue over the next three years. 

Environmental impact and community engagement

Scrapbuddy measures its environmental impact by calculating carbon emissions saved through recycling.

“Our initiatives contribute significantly to sustainability and environmental protection,” says Garg. “We give all the data of sale and purchase to an agency and then they deduct the difference of carbon emission produced while using raw materials and carbon emission produced while using scrap and then they give that impact data to us,” he adds.

The startup also conducts free seminars on waste management in schools, colleges, societies, and offices, alongside organising cleanup drives. “Educating the community and engaging them in our mission is essential for long-term impact,” says Garg.

Future plans and expansion

Scrapbuddy plans to secure investment for substantial growth after finalising its expansion strategies, aiming to expand operations into new regions such as Hyderabad and Chandigarh.

Additionally, it is exploring collaborations with government bodies to tackle broader waste management challenges.

The startup also plans to launch a new app for waste pickers to improve scheduling, communication, and operational efficiency. It aims to integrate treatment and compressing machines to cut logistics costs and boost waste management efficiency.