In the bustling city of Thane, two young entrepreneurs are proving that waste is not just garbage—it’s an opportunity. With a mission to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling, these friends have built a thriving business that processes over 10,000 kilograms of scrap every month. Their efforts are helping Mumbai tackle its growing waste crisis while also providing employment and promoting sustainability.

How It All Started

Growing up in Thane, Amit Desai and Rohit Sharma witnessed firsthand how unchecked urbanization was turning their city into a dumping ground. Determined to bring change, they started a small recycling initiative in 2021. What began as a local awareness drive soon turned into a full-fledged business, as they realized the huge potential in waste recycling.

How They Recycle 10,000 Kgs of Scrap Every Month

  1. Collection from Households & Businesses

    • They set up a door-to-door scrap collection service where residents and businesses could sell their old plastic, metal, paper, and electronic waste.
    • Local ragpickers and waste collectors partnered with them, bringing in recyclable materials.

  2. Sorting & Processing

    • The collected waste is sorted into plastics, metals, paper, and e-waste at their recycling center.
    • Items are then cleaned, shredded, and processed to be sent to industries for reuse.

  3. Selling Recycled Materials to Industries

    • Paper waste is sold to paper mills for reuse.
    • Recycled plastic is used to make furniture, bags, and even roads.
    • Metals are smelted and sent to manufacturing units.

Impact on Thane’s Waste Problem

  • Diverting 120 tons of waste annually from landfills.
  • Providing employment to over 50 local waste workers.
  • Encouraging people to segregate waste at the source, making recycling easier.
  • Reducing plastic pollution by converting waste into reusable materials.

Challenges & Future Goals

While their initiative is a success, Amit and Rohit still face challenges like lack of awareness, resistance from local authorities, and inefficient waste segregation at the source. However, they remain optimistic and aim to expand their recycling efforts across Mumbai, collaborate with municipal bodies, and introduce digital platforms for better waste tracking.

Their work is a testament to how small actions can create big change. If two friends can clean up 10,000 kg of waste every month, imagine what an entire city could achieve with the right mindset and effort.