Turning Trash into Opportunity
In Thane, Maharashtra, two childhood friends saw the life-changing potential in something
most of us ignore—scrap. Inspired by a local kabadiwala, Henik Gala and Shreyas Jalapur
launched ScrapJi in 2023. Today, their startup collects and recycles more than 10,000 kg of
waste every month, aiming to build a trash-free India by 2030.
Why ScrapJi Was Created
Henik and Shreyas grew up watching their neighborhood scrap dealer work
tirelessly—sorting old newspapers, plastic, metals, and e-waste. They realized that
traditional scrap collection was inconsistent, unregulated, and lacked dignity. They
envisioned a cleaner, tech-enhanced approach that preserves the environment while treating
workers with respect.
How the Model Works
At its core, ScrapJi works like a modern kabadiwaala—with a major twist:
● Customers book scrap pickup via WhatsApp or website at their convenience.
● Trained pickup teams arrive, weigh the waste using digital scales, and pay
immediately as per current market rates.
● The collected material is sorted and sent to authorised recycling centers, ensuring
transparency and accountability at each step.
This tech-first approach fixes issues like late visits, unpredictable prices, and incomplete
pickups.
Growth, Reach & Revenue
ScrapJi now serves over 2,000 regular customers and handles around 10–15 pickups
daily, recycling more than 10 tonnes monthly. It has tied up with seven recycling
partners and crossed ₹25 lakh in revenue in its current financial year, with a target of ₹1
crore by 2025.
Their impact extends beyond Thane: they’re betting on larger-scale influence, connecting
informal kabadiwala into their network with proper training and technology access.
Celebrity Support and Brand Credibility
Cricket star Dinesh Karthik joined ScrapJi—as brand ambassador and equity
partner—bringing credibility, investor interest, and government attention. His involvement
underscores belief in the startup’s long-term goals and vision.
Social Impact & Community Focus
ScrapJi’s value lies not just in waste collection, but in uplifting a sector historically
overlooked. Their operations empower waste workers by giving them reliable pay and
respect. They’re shifting public perception—recycling is no longer menial work; it’s a vital
part of India’s circular economy.
They’re also educating local communities and schools on recycling, waste segregation, and
the environmental benefits of refusing single-use products
Challenges They’ve Overcome
Starting lean, the founders faced storage constraints—Henik’s small house in Dombivli
served as makeshift warehousing. Manual labor, logistics, and small-scale operations were
tough, but they learned and scaled steadily. Customer trust grew fast, fueled by consistent
service and fair pricing.
Why It Matters
India’s waste management space is fragmented, and ScrapJi illustrates how tech + empathy
can provide real solutions. They turn trash into income, introduce accountability through
transparent pricing, and support India’s goal of reducing landfill waste by 2030.
Story Featured on The Marketing Mirror
At TheMarketingMirror.com, we spotlight the innovators, disruptors, and changemakers
who are solving real-world problems through business. ScrapJi’s journey—from local
inspiration to scalable impact—shows how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can uplift
communities and build a better, cleaner India.
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