Discover how Hyderabad-based startup Recykal revolutionizes waste management through blockchain technology, connecting waste generators with recyclers while providing EPR solutions to major brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever.

Digital Revolution in Waste Management

Hyderabad-based startup Recykal has emerged as a game-changer in India’s waste management sector, creating an innovative digital ecosystem that transforms how cities handle their mounting waste challenges. Founded in 2016 by Abhay Deshpande and his team, this technology-driven company has developed a unique three-way connection system that links waste generators, waste collectors (aggregators), and recyclers through a transparent and efficient digital platform.

The company’s revolutionary approach addresses India’s staggering waste crisis, where the country generates approximately 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, yet only manages to recycle around 8-12% of this waste effectively. Through their innovative marketplace platform, Recykal has successfully channeled over 1.2 million metric tonnes of waste materials, preventing them from reaching landfills and contributing to environmental degradation.

Advanced Tracking Systems

Recykal’s groundbreaking approach incorporates blockchain technology to create an immutable digital ledger that tracks waste from collection to recycling. This system provides complete transparency in the waste management process, allowing all stakeholders to monitor the journey of recyclable materials in real-time. The blockchain integration ensures data integrity with a 98% accuracy rate, significantly higher than traditional waste management systems.

The company utilizes Google AI’s CircularNet technology to achieve over 90% accurate detection of various waste materials including metals, bottles, plastics (PETE, HDPE, LDPE), and other recyclables. This AI-powered sorting system has improved production quality by 60% and increased the financial value of processed materials by approximately six times.

Supporting Global Brands in Compliance

Recykal provides comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) services to major international corporations including Coca-Cola and Unilever. These services encompass the entire waste lifecycle from collection to recycling, helping brands meet their sustainability targets and regulatory compliance requirements.

Coca-Cola India has partnered with companies like Recykal as part of their “World Without Waste” initiative, aiming to collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% of their packaging by 2030. Similarly, Unilever has committed to reducing virgin plastic use by 30% by 2026 through partnerships with waste management technology providers.

The EPR framework in India mandates that producers, importers, and brand owners take responsibility for managing plastic waste generated by their products. Companies failing to comply with EPR regulations face substantial penalties ranging from Rs. 8.7 crore to Rs. 50.66 crore, as imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board on major brands.

Hyderabad’s Waste Management Success Story

Hyderabad has become a model city for waste management in India, ranking sixth in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 and achieving the prestigious 7-star Garbage-Free City designation. The city processes nearly 60% of its daily waste scientifically, recovering valuable resources and converting waste into assets for sustainable urban development.

The transformation includes advanced waste processing facilities at Jawahar Nagar, featuring two large waste-to-energy plants with a combined capacity of 48 megawatts, India’s largest compost plant, and sophisticated refuse-derived fuel (RDF) facilities. This comprehensive approach has positioned Hyderabad as a leader in circular economy practices, with the city excelling in waste reduction through reuse, repair, and recycling initiatives.

International Acclaim and Awards

Recykal has received numerous prestigious recognitions for its innovative approach to waste management. The company was recognized as a Tech Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2022 and included in Fortune’s Change the World 2023 list alongside Tesla. This recognition places Recykal among an elite group of companies driving positive social and environmental impact through their core business strategies.

The startup has also been featured in Google’s case study titled “CircularNet: How Recykal built Asia’s largest circular economy marketplace using Google AI”. Additionally, the Economic Times named Recykal India’s No. 1 Growth Champion in 2023, highlighting the company’s remarkable business growth and environmental contribution.

Exponential Revenue Growth

Recykal’s business model demonstrates that environmental sustainability and profitability can coexist effectively. The company’s revenue has grown exponentially from $8 million in 2021 to $95 million in 2023. This growth trajectory reflects the increasing demand for sustainable waste management solutions and the effectiveness of Recykal’s digital marketplace approach.

The company operates across 30+ states and union territories in India, collaborating with over 620 brands, 675 recyclers, 12,000 businesses, and 5,000 service providers. This extensive network has enabled Recykal to prevent 12 billion plastic bottles, over 100,000 metric tonnes of metal, and 90,000 metric tonnes of paper and e-waste from reaching landfills.

Leadership Vision and Future Goals

“We are honored to be a part of the Global Innovators Community. Recykal’s vision is to channelize 10% of India’s waste by 2027,” stated Abhay Deshpande, CEO of Recykal. This ambitious goal reflects the company’s commitment to scaling their impact and addressing India’s waste crisis systematically.

Deshpande emphasizes the importance of thinking big in entrepreneurship: “Today we have channelized 1% of India’s waste. Last year that kind of scale which we achieved because we always thought big. Our ambition from day one was to create a 10 billion company although we were zero when we started”.youtube

Formalizing the Informal Sector

Recykal’s platform has successfully integrated India’s large informal waste sector, including traditional waste collectors (kabadiwalas) and scrap dealers, into the formal economy. This integration provides these workers with better working conditions, fair compensation, and improved efficiency in waste collection and recycling processes.

The company’s approach has created significant social impact by elevating waste management from a stigmatized occupation to a valued profession. Through training programs and formal employment opportunities, Recykal has empowered communities and provided hope for social mobility.

Conclusion: Leading India’s Circular Economy Revolution

Recykal represents a paradigm shift in how India approaches waste management, transforming the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model into a circular economy where waste becomes a valuable resource. Through innovative technology, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive EPR solutions, the company is not only addressing environmental challenges but also creating substantial economic opportunities.

The success of Recykal in Hyderabad serves as a blueprint for other Indian cities struggling with waste management issues. As India continues to urbanize rapidly, innovative solutions like Recykal’s digital marketplace become increasingly crucial for sustainable development and environmental protection.

With ambitious goals to process 10% of India’s waste by 2027 and continued expansion across the country, Recykal is positioned to lead India’s transition toward a more sustainable and circular economy, proving that technology-driven solutions can effectively address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

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