Angraj Swamy: Revolutionizing Rural Waste Management with Jaipur Base Waste Management Company

June 2, 2024

3 Minutes

The Genesis

Angraj Swamy, the founder of Jaipur Base Waste Management Company, embarked on a mission to revolutionize waste management practices, particularly in rural areas. Growing up in a Jaipur village, he witnessed the stark contrast between urban garbage collection and the lack of it in rural settings. This observation ignited a deep-seated passion within him to address this societal challenge.

Early Entrepreneurial Ventures

After graduating from Delhi University, Swamy ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a recycling unit in 2014 with a loan of Rs. 2 crore. However, after three years of operation, he realized that the core issue in waste management was not recycling but the behavior and attitudes of individuals.

Embracing Human Behavior

In 2017, Swamy liquidated his recycling unit and returned to his village, armed with two valuable lessons: waste management was a women-related problem, and emotional support from loved ones was vital for entrepreneurial success. With these insights, he assembled a small team, including his school friend and co-founder Ajay.

The “Triad” Model

Their company, named Triad, was founded with a clear vision: to tackle the human behavior aspect of waste management. They recognized that the key to lasting impact lay in transforming individual perceptions and practices regarding waste. From 2017 to 2020, they dedicated themselves to studying this behavior and developing a business model that would resonate with individuals.

A Custom Tailored Solution

In 2020, Triad found its product-market fit: a solution specifically designed for the residential and hospitality sectors. They initiated their services in Jaipur’s residential sector, focusing on educating women about proper waste management practices. However, limitations in resources hindered their expansion in this sector. They shifted their focus to hotels, where they saw a significant demand for waste management solutions and an opportunity to validate their model.

Overcoming Challenges

Initial challenges included labor shortages, requiring the team to take on garbage pickup, driving, and recycling tasks themselves. Gradually, they hired a small team and expanded their operations. By 2019, they had partnered with approximately 70 hotels, generating revenue and achieving financial independence.

Adapting to Adversity

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic dealt a blow to the hospitality sector and Triad’s operations. However, they seized this opportunity to develop a new business model called “Muskaan.” Muskaan empowered women from rural areas by training them to transform waste materials into eco-friendly products, offering them a sustainable source of income.

Post-Pandemic Surge

As restrictions eased, Triad resumed its hotel operations and expanded its team significantly. They currently service approximately 1130 hotels in Jaipur, collecting around 12 tons of garbage daily. Their annual turnover has reached approximately Rs. 3 crores, and they have successfully integrated 12 tons of waste into the recycling chain on a daily basis.

Addressing Key Challenges

Source aggregation remains a major obstacle in waste management. Triad provides hotels with a customized waste segregation system to ensure proper waste separation at the source. Their platform allows hotels to track pickup requests and receive real-time updates, promoting transparency and efficiency.

Sustainable Practices

Triad’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its operations. They collaborate with recycling partners to guarantee proper waste processing and disposal. They adhere to strict tax invoice protocols and foster ethical practices throughout the recycling chain.

Lessons from the Journey

Consistency is paramount in any business endeavor. Despite setbacks, it is essential to remain unwavering in pursuing one’s vision. Building a strong support system of mentors, investors, and team members is crucial for success.

Conclusion

The journey of Jaipur Base Waste Management Company is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and perseverance. By addressing the human behavior aspect of waste management, they have created a sustainable business model that empowers individuals and communities. Their mission to promote a cleaner, healthier, and more responsible society continues to inspire them as they forge ahead.