At Recove, We Are On A Mission to Organize India's Broken Supply Chain for Recyclables

India's low recycling rates are largely driven by the fragmented and inefficient supply chain for recyclables. In urban and peri-urban areas, 90% of waste is collected, but from there, it changes hands up to eight times before reaching a recycler. This complex network is dominated by informal middlemen who primarily exist to bridge cash flow gaps, rather than improve efficiency or quality.

With no accountability for segregation standards and little incentive to invest in automation or process improvements, valuable recyclable material either leaks into landfills or is recycled suboptimally. The result is low-quality recycled plastic granules, which are unsuitable for high-value applications and are instead used in low-cost household goods, pipes, and drums. This cycle not only limits the economic potential of recycling but also undermines the sustainability of India's waste management ecosystem.