Interview: Nandan Mall, Founder & CEO of Hulladek Recycling

An interview with Nandan Mall, Founder & CEO of Hulladek Recycling Pvt Ltd, Electronic Waste Management Company

Meet Nandan Mall, the dynamic Founder & CEO of Hulladek Recycling Pvt Ltd, a leading Electronic Waste Management Company, and a third-generation entrepreneur. With a legacy of innovation and sustainability, Nandan has steered Hulladek to the forefront of the industry.

In this interview, we’ll gain valuable insights into his journey, vision, and the future of electronic waste management.

Can you share with us the inspiration behind founding Hulladek Recycling Pvt Ltd and the journey that led you to establish one of India’s leading waste management companies?

Nandan Mall: Hulladek Recycling started as a college project at St. Xavier’s College where I had to propose a Business Plan for the business of the future as a part of a contest. Fortunately, I won the competition and got the opportunity to intern with one of the oldest waste management companies in Bangalore. While working there, I realised that sustainability is the business of the future.

After completing my internship, I worked at Indu-Metal in Bibao, Spain which is one of the largest recyclers in Spain. This is where I learnt different processes of material evaluation, segregation, dismantling and recycling.

What specific challenges did you encounter when starting Hulladek, and how did you overcome them?

Nandan Mall: In 2015, when Hulladek was incorporated, there was very little awareness on waste management especially electronic waste. The main challenge that we faced was educating and informing people about proper waste disposal practices and the advantages of recycling.

Moreover, there were very few policies and government regulations on E-waste Management for large organisations. Therefore, the traditional methods of waste disposal which is primarily through the informal sector continued to dominate the market segment.

Our focus in the first few years of incorporation was to bridge this gap by raising awareness on the hazards of improper disposal of electronic and electrical waste. We reached out to schools, colleges, corporates, residential complexes as well as government bodies.

We organised workshop and events themed around waste management, circular economy and climate action.

Waste management is a critical issue globally. How does Hulladek contribute to addressing this challenge, particularly in the context of India?

Nandan Mall: India is the third largest producer of electronic and electrical waste globally. With increasing per capital income and the rising population, this figure will only rise. In India only 5% of the e-waste generated is recycled in a safe, environment-friendly manner.

Hulladek is providing end-to-end waste management and consultancy solutions for all categories of waste including electronic, plastic, battery, tyre and oil. We assist organisations and individuals in handling their waste by ensuring all waste collected is channelized to authorised recyclers.

Can you discuss Hulladek’s approach to sustainable waste management and how it aligns with environmental conservation goals?

Nandan Mall: Waste management in India plays a crucial role in aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Effective waste management practices contribute directly and indirectly to achieving these goals. Here’s how waste management aligns with specific SDGs in India:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Impact: Proper waste management reduces environmental pollution, which in turn lowers the incidence of diseases related to poor sanitation and exposure to hazardous waste. Examples:

Reduction of open dumping and burning of waste, which decreases air and water pollution. Improved waste collection and disposal systems, leading to cleaner living environments and reduced risk of vector-borne diseases.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Impact: Effective waste management prevents the contamination of water bodies, ensuring the availability of clean water and maintaining sanitation standards. Examples:

Implementation of waste treatment facilities to prevent industrial and municipal waste from polluting rivers and groundwater.

Promotion of recycling and proper disposal of hazardous waste to protect water resources.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Impact: Sustainable waste management practices contribute to building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

Examples:

Development of integrated solid waste management systems in urban areas.

Promotion of zero-waste initiatives and smart city projects that include sustainable waste management solutions.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Impact: Waste management promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns by encouraging recycling, reducing waste generation, and promoting the circular economy.

Examples:

Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies that hold producers accountable for the end-of-life disposal of their products.

Initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and promote the use of sustainable packaging materials.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Impact: Proper waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions from waste, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Examples:

Reduction of methane emissions from landfills through improved waste processing and recycling.

Promotion of waste-to-energy projects that convert organic waste into biogas and other renewable energy sources.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

Impact: Effective waste management prevents marine pollution, protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.

Examples:

Programs to reduce plastic waste and prevent marine litter.

Initiatives to clean up coastal areas and manage waste in a way that it does not enter water bodies.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Impact: Managing waste properly helps protect terrestrial ecosystems, prevent land degradation, and reduce biodiversity loss.

Examples:

Proper disposal and recycling of e-waste to prevent soil contamination. Initiatives to restore degraded land and promote sustainable land management practices.

Government and Community Initiatives in India

Swachh Bharat Mission: A nationwide campaign aimed at cleaning up streets, roads, and infrastructure, including solid waste management.

Smart Cities Mission: Incorporates sustainable waste management systems into urban planning. National Action Plan for Climate Change: Includes waste management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

India’s approach to waste management aligns with these SDGs through policy initiatives, community programs, and partnerships with various stakeholders. By integrating sustainable waste management practices, India can make significant progress towards achieving these global goals, ensuring a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

India’s waste management sector faces various obstacles, including infrastructure limitations and public awareness. How does Hulladek navigate these challenges to ensure effective waste management solutions?

Navigating through the issues of India’s waste management scenario, requires a multi-faceted approach. We adopt several strategies to overcome these obstacles such as enhancing public awareness and participation, engaging with policy makers, implementing Extended Producers Responsibility, formalising the informal sector and partnering with NGOs and social enterprises.

Collaboration often plays a crucial role in addressing complex issues like waste management. Could you elaborate on any partnerships or collaborations that Hulladek has forged to enhance its impact?

We have collaborated with many recyclers across India that assist us in recycling all the waste material that is procured from different parts of the states. Moreover, these partners also assist us with logistics and manpower support in many situations.

How does Hulladek engage with local communities and authorities to promote waste segregation, recycling, and responsible disposal practices?

Nandan Mall: We actively believe in installing e-waste bins across educational institutions, residential complexes, urban local bodies and corporates so that waste can be segregated at source. Installing these bins also help to provide necessary infrastructure for waste segregation and collection.

We constantly engage with local communities and also create awareness at the grassroot levels on sustainability and waste management.

In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the waste management industry in India today, and how is Hulladek positioned to address them?

Nandan Mall: The most pressing issue that we face as an organisation in this industry apart from general awareness and initiative is lack of implementation of the E-waste Management Rules 2022 administered by the Central Pollution Control Board under Ministry of Environment.

The lack of fines and penalties for non-compliance, discourages 100% implementation. We as an organisation, ensure that all producers fulfil their EPR targets up to 100% and also achieve other compliances including awareness creation.

What are your success tips for social entrepreneurs?

• Keep at it. Success will come supernormally
• Build and trust your team, you cannot do everything alone
• Know that you’re making a difference while making money

Nandan Mall’s journey exemplifies a blend of entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship. As the Founder & CEO of Hulladek Recycling Pvt Ltd, his commitment to innovation and sustainability has reshaped the electronic waste management landscape.

This interview has shed light on his remarkable journey, inspiring us to embrace responsible business practices for a greener tomorrow.

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