For decades, waste has been treated as a problem—something to be collected, dumped, and forgotten. But as landfills overflow and environmental concerns grow, the conversation around waste is shifting. What if waste wasn’t the end of the line, but the start of something new?
India generates millions of tonnes of waste every year, from plastic and e-waste to used EV batteries and agricultural residue. Left unmanaged, this waste can have serious environmental and health consequences. However, a new generation of companies is proving that waste doesn’t have to be wasted. Through recycling, repurposing, and resource recovery, they are transforming discarded materials into clean energy, valuable raw materials, and sustainable solutions.
This Global Recycling Day, we’re highlighting five companies that are leading India’s shift towards a circular economy—where waste is not just reduced, but reimagined. From recovering critical minerals in batteries to converting organic waste into renewable energy, these innovators are proving that sustainability and business can go hand in hand.
1. Lohum: Giving Batteries a Second Life
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from electric vehicles to smartphones, but their disposal poses a major environmental challenge. Lohum is addressing this issue by recycling old batteries and recovering valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Instead of relying on costly and environmentally damaging mining, Lohum’s closed-loop process ensures that these critical elements can be reused—reducing waste and supporting India’s transition to a clean energy economy.
2. CEF Group: Turning Agricultural Waste into Renewable Energy
India generates a massive amount of agricultural waste, much of which is either burned or left to decompose, contributing to air pollution and carbon emissions. CEF Group has found a smarter solution—converting agricultural and industrial waste into biofuels like bio-CNG. Their innovative approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels while providing industries with a cleaner, renewable alternative. With India’s increasing focus on net-zero goals and energy independence, solutions like these are crucial for a sustainable future.
3. Exigo Recycling: A One-Stop Solution for E-Waste and Plastics
The rapid growth of electronics and consumer technology has created a surge in e-waste, much of which ends up in landfills or informal recycling units. Exigo Recycling is tackling this problem by offering end-to-end recycling for electronic waste, plastics, and batteries. Their advanced facilities are globally certified, ensuring that materials are processed responsibly and efficiently. Beyond recycling, the company is actively training workers, raising awareness, and promoting transparency in India’s waste management sector.
4. Vidyuta: Repurposing EV Batteries for a Second Life
The push for electric vehicles (EVs) is a game-changer for India’s transportation sector, but it also raises a critical question: What happens to old EV batteries? Vidyuta is tackling this by refurbishing and repurposing used lithium-ion batteries, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for raw material extraction. Their cutting-edge approach is ensuring India’s EV revolution remains sustainable from start to finish.
5. Antony Waste Handling Cell Ltd.: Managing India’s Urban Waste
One of India’s leading integrated waste management companies, Antony Waste Handling Cell Ltd. is revolutionizing urban waste management. With operations in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, the company specializes in municipal solid waste (MSW) management, scientific landfill operations, and waste-to-energy solutions.
Beyond waste collection and transportation, Antony Waste focuses on advanced processing techniques that convert waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill dependency. By integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, the company is driving a cleaner, more efficient waste disposal system for India’s growing cities.
The Future of Recycling in India
These companies are leading the charge toward a circular economy, where materials are not just discarded but recovered, reused, and repurposed. As India grapples with growing waste challenges, their efforts are proving that recycling isn’t just about waste reduction—it’s about economic opportunity, resource security, and a cleaner future for all.
