India Recycles is a zero-waste enterprise building affordable, mobile markets for the urban poor by repurposing and distributing quality reusable goods via Slum Sales, Thrift Pop-Ups, and upcycling initiatives.
Founders
Renu Pokharna | Pranav Gupta
Circular Economy / Social Impact / Sustainability
The Problem:
Urban households lack organized systems to dispose of reusable items, while informal workers lack access to affordable goods and quality markets.
The Solution:
India Recycles bridges the gap with pop-up sales, thrift platforms, and upcycled products, empowering communities and conserving resources.
Who Benefits?
- Informal & migrant workers
- Low-income urban families
- Middle-class & urban rich households donating goods
- 48+ employed women in recycling units
Key Achievements
- 158 Slum Sales, 10 Thrift Pop-Ups, >91,000 items recycled
- 618,097 kg of carbon saved, 247 million liters of water conserved
- 35 women micropreneurs, 4 recycling units working
- Rs 2 crore market reached; strong expansion roadmap
Societal Impact
India Recycles dramatically reduces waste, enhances dignity for underserved populations, and creates climate resilience through large-scale sustainable reuse.
Vision for the Future
- Become “Amazon” of secondhand goods nationwide
- Expand upcycling and mobile market offerings
- Launch digital platform/app for resale and access
- Scale social, environmental, and economic impact
