Hyderabad-based e-waste management startup Sanshodhan, an E-Waste Exchange has received recognition from the World Economic Forum as a ‘Highly Commended’ startup as part of its Circulars 2019’s Dell Award for Circular Economy People’s Choice.
E-waste Exchange collects electronic waste from individuals, corporations, schools, colleges, governments and even electronic and electrical equipment producers to hand it over to effective, authorised recyclers, thus contributing in the creation of a circular economy.
It was awarded with a Medallion from WEF for its innovation of creating a Circular Economy model for e-waste management sector. The startup, which is also part of Hyderabad’s startup engine T-Hub, was founded by S Devi, an economist, V Shivaani, a social development expert, Sandeep, an engineer and Dr Shalini Sharma, an environment management and policy professional.
Corporates and other orgnisations wanting to recycle their e-waste to be recycled, can visit E-waste Exchange’s website, register the electronics they want to give away and schedule a pick up. A person from E-Waste Exchange then picks up the waste, pays them for it and then transfers it to a Government authorised and technically sound dismantlers or recyclers.
Shalini says that despite being just a 10-month old company, still bootstrapped and in its early stages, they feel honored that WEF liked their model and showed interest in knowing more.
“When they publish about us in their annual book on circular awards, it will act as a recommendation for larger companies to take up our model of e-waste management. Our model is mostly applicable for corporates and large MNCs. In India, usually there is a tender put out and the order is given it to whoever quotes the highest price. But the e-waste management policy recommends MNCs and corporates to ensure end of life of e-waste,” Shalini says.
She further adds that E-waste Exchange’s model will work best for corporates as it not only helps them curb pollution, but also contribute towards the sustainable development goals.
Interestingly, this is the second time a Hyderabad-based startup has received global recognition at WEF. Last year, plastic recycling startup Banyan Nation won the Dell People’s Choice Award for Circular Economy Entrepreneur, making it the first ever Indian firm to be shortlisted for and to win the Circular Economy awards.