Online Kabadiwalas or trash pickers/dealers are individuals who collect trash from different communities and segregate them into two main categories: trash that can be used again or those that need to be dumped. So why are Kabadiwalas crucial in solving India’s waste management crisis and getting rid of endless piles of scrap?
Well, the Kabadiwalas successfully established a recycling chain among Indian communities, consequently promoting the value behind the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). In fact, when the Covid-19 pandemic began and a lockdown was imposed, the number of Kabadiwalas dramatically declined for obvious reasons. Yet, who would have thought that the absence of one recycling unit would break the entire recycling chain in New Delhi? The city of New Delhi has approximately 50,000 Kabadiwalas keeping waste management sustainable, reducing the burden on landfills, and promoting recycling. According to the Times of India, these Kabadiwalas carry out 95% of the recycling in Delhi and “prevent 3.6 times more greenhouse gases than any project in India that gets carbon credits.”
Still, there is hope: recently, there has been a rise in the concept of “Online Kabadiwala”. Some startups have come up with platforms where users can schedule pickups for their recyclables in an organized manner. These startups have been a pivotal component of continuing the fight against scraps during the pandemic––a time when we all have to adapt to make the best out of our current circumstances. Also, many people are unaware that these Online Kabadiwala startups are much more advantageous and beneficial than traditional Kabadiwalas. One such startup is Swapeco, which provides a digital recycling platform where users can simply schedule a doorstep pickup for their recyclables & get paid. Swapeco is currently operational in most parts of Delhi NCR.
Differences between Online Kabadiwala startups and Traditional Kabadiwalas?
While traditional Kabadiwalas play the role of collecting scraps in Indian neighborhoods, the majority of these traditional workers cherry-pick useful material and throw away the remaining waste to landfills––a hidden element of traditional Kabadiwalas that, in fact, perpetuate India’s environmental predicament. Nonetheless, startups like Swapeco directly sell the collected waste to recyclers, ultimately providing consumers with better exchange rates. Furthermore, they take an extra step to ensure that the recycling sector remains transparent and genuinely helpful to India. For instance, many of Swapeco’s pickup employees were once traditional Kabadiwalas. Yet, former traditional Kabadiwalas are trained and educated to bring the best service and support. Additionally, organizations such as Swapeco provide proper safety gear and keep their workers on a regular salary by giving formal jobs––initiatives that allow Kabadiwalas to work with a righteous and moral mindset. All in all, online scrap collection platforms like Swapeco are more credible than traditional Kabadiwalas, which focus on personal interests rather than collective aims. Kudos to all online Kabadiwala startups that remain unfazed by these trying times and continue to strive for a Clean India.
Swapeco is dedicated to alleviating the waste management crisis in India. Swapeco utilizes a digital platform that is convenient for various stakeholders. Through a mobile app, anyone can schedule a hassle-free doorstep scrap pickup which will be processed by the trained and verified pickup staff of Swapeco. In light of the COVID-19 health sanitary crisis, we will also execute our implemented strategies to maintain a hygienic exchange process and prioritize the safety and well-being of all parties involved. With Swapeco, we hope to bring about a convenient service that brings a fresh solution to the growing problem of waste mismanagement in India.
If you would like to schedule your first pickup, feel free to visit Swapeco.com to learn more about what we have to offer. Also, if you have any inquiries, we are always available through social media or send us an email ([email protected]) and we will be happy to respond.
Download our app now to experience the benefits we have to offer and visit our website at swapeco.com for more information! For the quickest access to our service, please download our mobile app using the following link: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.swapeco.app
Our Social Media Handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrapuncle/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrapuncle/?utm_medium=copy_link
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scrapuncleapp
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/company/scrapuncle
