In the bustling city of Thane, Maharashtra, two childhood friends, Henik Gala and Shreyas Jalapur, have embarked on a mission to revolutionize waste management through their startup, ScrapJi. Inspired by a local kabadiwaala they admired during their school days, the duo launched ScrapJi in 2023 to address the inefficiencies in traditional scrap collection and promote sustainable recycling practices.
Key Highlights:
- Founders: Henik Gala and Shreyas Jalapur, both 26 years old, childhood friends from Thane.
- Inception: Established in 2023, driven by a shared vision of a cleaner, trash-free India.
- Operations:
- Provides door-to-door scrap collection services in Thane.
- Utilizes digital platforms like WhatsApp and their website for scheduling pickups.
- Offers instant payments based on current market rates.
- Ensures collected waste is directed to authorized recycling centers.
- Impact:
- Recycles approximately 10,000 kg of waste monthly.
- Serves over 2,000 regular customers.
- Collaborates with seven third-party recyclers.
- Achieved revenue exceeding ₹25 lakh in the current financial year, with aspirations to reach ₹1 crore by 2025.
- Brand Ambassador: Renowned cricketer Dinesh Karthik has joined ScrapJi as a brand ambassador and equity partner, bolstering the startup’s credibility and outreach.
- Vision: Aims to contribute to a trash-free India by 2030 through sustainable waste management practices.
ScrapJi exemplifies how grassroots inspiration, when combined with technological innovation and a commitment to sustainability, can lead to significant environmental impact. By streamlining the scrap collection process and ensuring responsible recycling, Henik and Shreyas are not only addressing a pressing urban challenge but also setting a precedent for eco-conscious entrepreneurship in India.
