We deal directly with bulk consumers which sets us apart from our competitors. Unlike others in the industry, we do not use the waste aggregator model. Under this model, PROs purchase waste from kabadiwalas or the local scrap dealer and channelize it to recyclers.
1. Tell us about your company and your journey.
Hulladek Recycling is Eastern India’s initiative to make this world a greener place by establishing proper channels for e-waste collection and disposal. We strongly believe that the ideal path to a macro-positive change in the future lies in building awareness towards incorporating micro-changes today.
Authorized and licensed by the CPCB under the e-waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2018, we largely function as a PRO (Producer Responsibility Organisation), where assist businesses generating e-waste to adhere to and comply with the rules of the land.
2015:
The company was incorporated by Mr. Nandan Mall, a third-generation entrepreneur from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata.
2016:
Enthralled after a successful inaugural year, we picked up a thunderous pace in our marketing and business development efforts during the second year. That year we reached our first milestone – collecting a minimum of 10,000 kgs of e-waste every month that year.
2017:
We were featured in Silicon India’s Top 10 Most Promising E-Waste Service Providers in the country. We also signed a contract with Webel Technology Limited to be the principal collector of e-waste in the state. We met our second milestone this year of hitting a 150-client mark.
2018:
We achieved the status of a Producers Responsibility Organisation as per the government stipulated revisions in the E-Waste Management Rules 2016. We expanded our geographical boundaries by signing our first franchise partner in North-East. Our team consisted of 30 young individuals.
2019:
We met our goal of 1 million kgs in our bin. Our core team of decision-makers and leaders consisted mainly of women. We successfully launched a branch office in Jamshedpur in collaboration with the Tata Group. Our Founder and CEO were featured in the Top 25 Entrepreneurs of India alongside names such as Zivame and Oyo.
2020:
This was a difficult year for all businesses globally because of the covid-19 outbreak. The global pandemic did not stop us from launching 10 collection points across the countries including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
2021:
We ventured into the plastic waste division. With our prior knowledge in the e-waste industry, we expanded our scope to other kinds of waste
2. How did you come up with this idea and go about executing this?
As a student of Bachelor’s in Commerce at the St. Xaviers College, I was participating in a number of fests. One such fest required us to come up with a business idea for the future. I had always been keen on waste management in India. An increase in a waste generation was a growing concern not just in our country but worldwide especially with the advent of electronic gadgets and the growing dependency of people and corporates on technology.
Thus, I formulated a plan for e-waste management in the country. Not only did I win the competition but I was also offered an internship opportunity in one of the leading waste management companies in Bangalore. After this, I decided to go to Spain and understand the waste management industry abroad. I worked with Indu Metal for over 2 years and gained sufficient knowledge and expertise to come back and start my own e-waste management company.
3. What are some of the challenges that you faced along the way and how did you respond to them?
One of the main problems that we faced was a lack of awareness about waste management in India especially electronic waste. Even though, India generates close to 3.84 million tonnes of e-waste, the level of ignorance was baffling. Instead of hindering my path, it made me more passionate to create a sustainable world where people are conscious about their waste.
There was also a lack of willingness in people to give up their old devices, given the nature of Indians to hold on to generational and childhood devices. Given the dominance of the informal sector in India, it was also difficult to get through to the masses who are quite comfortable dealing with ‘kabadiwalas’.
4. What sets "Hulladek" apart from its competitors?
We deal directly with bulk consumers which sets us apart from our competitors. Unlike others in the industry, we do not use the waste aggregator model. Under this model, PROs purchase waste from kabadiwalas or the local scrap dealer and channelize it to recyclers.
This results in an increase in the cost of procurement which in turn increases the cost borne by the producers. Sourcing materials from the source - bulk consumers - gives us a price advantage since we forego the kabadiwala margin. This allows us to provide the same service at a cheaper cost.
5. Where do you source the waste material from and what are the next steps?
We source materials directly from consumers and bulk consumers including sectors like Banking, FMCG, Hospitality, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, NGOs, etc. Other PROs do not focus on door-to-door waste collection whereas we have a dedicated team for that.
6. What are some of the most important factors for running a successful business?
The most important factor to have a successful business is to have a proper vision supported by 3-, 5- and 10-year growth plans to achieve the vision. This coupled with a passionate team who believes in the concept they are working for makes a dream project a reality.
One should also know how to delegate well and not micromanage in order to have sufficient time and headspace to strategize. Another concept which I learned on my journey and religiously believe in now is to develop independent process owners and cost centers out of the respective departments in the firm.
7. What are your thoughts on the recycling industry in India today and in the future?
The waste management and recycling industry are one of the fastest-growing in India second only to the IT sector. We would love more players to join this industry and help India manage the enormous amount of waste it generates. It’s a socio-commercial business that benefits not only India’s economy but also Indian society.
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