Founded in 2015 by Rahul Nainani and Gurashish Singh Sahni, ReCircle is a Mumbai-based startup that aims to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: waste management.
As India grapples with the dual crisis of excessive waste generation and limited recycling infrastructure, ReCircle is leading the charge in creating a circular economy where waste is not discarded but repurposed and reused.
Tackling India’s Waste Crisis
India, one of the largest plastic waste producers globally, faces an alarming paradox, despite being a major contributor to plastic waste, the country imports plastic from other nations due to inadequate systems for waste recovery.
With more than 465 crore plastic bottles imported into India each year, the scale of the nation’s plastic waste problem is enormous.
Recognizing this challenge, ReCircle set out to tackle the issue at its core.
The founders envisioned a solution that would not only divert waste from landfills and oceans but also integrate waste management into India’s economic and industrial fabric.
They understood that by transforming waste into a valuable resource, they could support both environmental sustainability and socio-economic growth, creating a circular supply chain that benefits businesses, communities, and the planet.
ReCircle’s Mission: A Circular Economy
ReCircle’s mission is clear: to accelerate the world’s transition to a circular economy.
The company works with businesses, government bodies, and individuals to manage waste efficiently, ensuring it is recycled, reused, and reintegrated into the supply chain.
Their work is driven by flagship initiatives like Kind Plastic, ClimaOne, and Plastic-Offset Programs, alongside grassroots community collection drives.
Their approach has led to the recovery of over 100 million kgs of waste and has made a tangible impact on communities and businesses alike.
Impact and Growth
ReCircle’s journey started at a grassroots level in 2016, where it began as a waste collection aggregator.
Today, it has expanded to over 300+ locations across India, with more than 3,100 waste collectors and 45 processing partners.
Their efforts have resulted in a 203% increase in waste recovery from 2022 to 2023, transforming over 104,000 metric tons of waste into valuable recycled materials.
The company’s reach extends from urban centers to remote villages and towns, working to formalize India’s marginalized waste industry, improve livelihoods, and ensure fair wages for waste collectors (safai saathis).
ReCircle has helped increase their income by 72%, providing them with greater job security and social recognition.
The ClimaOne Platform
One of ReCircle’s most innovative solutions is ClimaOne, a traceable circular supply chain platform that offers businesses complete visibility and control over their sustainability efforts.
Through ClimaOne, companies can easily manage their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), track plastic credits, and achieve Plastic Neutrality.
The platform integrates data, analytics, and real-time tracking, making waste management efficient, transparent, and accountable.
It empowers businesses to achieve sustainability goals while staying compliant with government regulations, ultimately helping them reduce their plastic footprint.
The Plastic Neutral Program
ReCircle’s Plastic Neutral Program (PNP) offers businesses a simple yet impactful way to offset their plastic waste by funding the collection and recycling of an equivalent amount of waste.
This program allows businesses, whether small, medium, or large, to become part of the solution, taking responsibility for their plastic footprint and contributing to a cleaner, circular economy.
Brands can showcase their sustainability efforts by proudly displaying the Plastic Neutral label, aligning themselves with the growing consumer demand for ethical and eco-conscious businesses.
Scaling for Global Impact
As ReCircle continues to expand its operations, it aims to reach even more communities, businesses, and cities across India and beyond.
With over 270 waste recovery sites, they are well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming waste into an economic resource.
Their commitment to sustainable development and innovation is paving the way for a greener, cleaner future, one where waste is no longer seen as a problem but as a resource that drives positive change.
Join the Circular Revolution
ReCircle is not just a waste management company, it is a movement towards a circular, sustainable future.
From empowering communities and businesses to supporting a cleaner planet, ReCircle’s work exemplifies how solving environmental challenges can also lead to economic and social progress.
Whether it is a business looking to meet sustainability goals or an individual interested in reducing environmental impact, ReCircle offers a range of solutions that can help make a difference.
Together, the loop on waste can be closed and a world where no resources are wasted can be created.
