In an era defined by technological advancement and digital consumption, the trail we leave behind often goes unnoticed—mountains of discarded electronics quietly threatening our environment. Transforming this challenge into an opportunity for change takes more than innovation; it demands vision, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the planet. It is in this space, where environmental purpose meets entrepreneurial drive, that true leadership stands out.
B. K. Soni, Chairman and Managing Director of Eco Recycling Limited (Ecoreco), embodies this forward-looking leadership. As a pioneer and the chief promoter of India’s foremost e-waste management company, he has built Ecoreco into a trusted name synonymous with sustainability and technological excellence. Under his guidance, the company has not only achieved a dominant position in the B2B recycling segment but is also steering a new B2C model to make responsible e-waste recycling accessible to every household. With a mission rooted in environmental protection and circular resource management, Mr. Soni continues to lead India toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Creating Transparency and Growth in India’s E-waste Sector
Long before “e-waste” became a widely recognized concern, there was a growing pile of discarded electronics in India that most people overlooked. What seemed like technological progress—more computers in offices, more phones in hands—hid a silent environmental crisis beneath the surface, but Mr. Soni decided to confront it rather than ignore it.
In 2005, he formally began e-waste recycling, transforming this hidden challenge into an “urban mine” and demonstrating that India could bring structure to a sector long marked by informality and neglect. What started as a moral mission soon grew into a professional enterprise, treating old electronics as both a responsibility and a resource. The early years were tough. While a few saw potential in recycling, many dismissed it as a task for the informal sector. However, Mr. B K Soni believed that if a system was missing, it needed to be created.
This belief became the cornerstone of Eco Recycling Ltd (Ecoreco)—India’s first listed e-waste management company on the BSE—introducing transparency, accountability, and professionalism to an overlooked industry. His vision was shaped by personal experiences, witnessing the environmental and social costs of unmanaged waste. To address this, he studied global practices in safe dismantling and recycling processes and tailored them to suit India’s needs. Today, Ecoreco stands as evidence that business growth and sustainability can go hand in hand, showing that profitability and responsibility can coexist.
Ecoreco at a Glance: Key Metrics
- India’s first BSE-listed e-waste recycling company — compliance is in our DNA
- Operates with a zero-debt structure, funded entirely through internal accruals
- Backed by 40,000+ shareholders who believe compliance and growth go hand in hand
- Recovers metals and materials that reduce import dependency and save foreign exchange
Navigating the 4Ls for a Greener India
At Ecoreco, industry obstacles are often summarized as the “4Ls”: Logistics, Liability, Liquidity, and Legislation.
Logistics refers to the challenge of collecting and transporting e-waste across India’s vast landscape, which can be both expensive and complicated. To address this, the company introduced Recycling on Wheels—India’s first mobile e-waste collection and processing unit—and BookMyJunk, a digital platform linking homes and businesses to approved recyclers. These solutions have brought convenience, transparency, and cost savings to what was previously a daunting logistical problem.
Liability is about determining responsibility for e-waste—whether it should fall on producers, consumers, or recyclers. Ecoreco became an early supporter of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), partnering with corporations and government agencies to ensure that all parties share accountability for waste generation.
Liquidity, or access to financing, has long been a challenge in this sector since green initiatives rarely receive enough support or incentives. Ecoreco overcame this by using internal funding, efficiency-driven technology, and adhering to a zero-debt policy, instead of relying mainly on outside investment.
Legislation was addressed as India established e-waste rules in 2012, but enforcing those guidelines remains inconsistent. Ecoreco has worked actively with policymakers, regulators, and industry groups to push for stronger legal frameworks and more uniform enforcement.
These challenges inspired key initiatives—#OneBillionChargers, Recycling on Wheels, and BookMyJunk—each filling critical industry gaps and promoting public awareness about responsible e-waste disposal. Ecoreco’s consistent approach has been: “where barriers exist, innovation must bridge them.”
Practical Innovations Driving India’s E-Waste Revolution
Innovation is at the heart of Ecoreco’s operations, and several initiatives highlight the company’s effective approach to environmental impact. The BookMyJunk mobile app simplifies e-waste disposal for homes and businesses by making it easy to schedule waste collection. This platform gained national attention and was commended by the Prime Minister of India on Mann Ki Baat in January 2023.
Recycling on Wheels – SmartER stands out as India’s first mobile unit for recycling and training, following the T3 model (Training, Transport, and Technology). Inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh in 2023, it makes recycling accessible even in remote locations and ensures secure, on-the-spot data destruction for businesses. The #OneBillionChargers Initiative is another impactful drive, encouraging the collection of chargers and small electronics to demonstrate how small efforts can lead to large-scale environmental benefits.
Additional programs like Data Destruction on Wheels offer safe, certified data disposal for corporate clients, merging cybersecurity with environmental protection. Lamp Recycling on Wheels addresses the specific need to safely recycle mercury-containing lamps, helping prevent hazardous leaks. Ecoreco also issues digital appreciation certificates, recognizing those who contribute to proper e-waste disposal.
Each of these innovations shows Ecoreco’s commitment to making sustainability accessible, measurable, and empowering for individuals and organizations: “sustainability must be practical, measurable, and inclusive — empowering individuals, corporates, and communities alike.”
Major Recognitions & Awards
- 2025: Appointed to the SERI Technical Advisory Committee (Sustainable Electronics Recycling International) — global platform for responsible e-waste standards.
- 2024: Hurun Industry Achievement Award — Champion of Sustainable E-waste Management.
- 2023: Acknowledgement from the Prime Minister of India (Mann Ki Baat) — recognized for contributions to the circular economy.
- 2008: New Ventures India Award — CII-Godrej Green Building Congress.
- Media Presence: Featured in SME Futures, bll.org.in, ScanX.trade, and more — highlighting thought leadership and industry impact.
- Shareholder Trust: Supported by 40,000+ shareholders, reflecting strong public confidence in Ecoreco’s sustainable mission.
‘Recognition is a reminder that integrity and innovation—though slow to mature—earn lasting credibility.’
Ecoreco’s Metrics of Sustainable Growth
Ecoreco believes that “sustainability without measurement is just intent.” The company uses clear and measurable key performance indicators to track the results of its initiatives. One important metric is the total amount of e-waste and lithium-ion batteries recycled—every ton processed represents material kept out of landfill sites and directly contributes to environmental protection.
Ecoreco also measures energy savings and reductions in carbon emissions by recovering materials and optimizing their recycling processes. The recovery of valuable metals like copper, aluminum, iron, and gold is tracked, demonstrating both environmental and financial benefits while reducing the need for new mining. Each recovered material is reintroduced to the economy, reinforcing the practical value of recycling and supporting a circular economy.
To make this information accessible and transparent, Ecoreco creates infographics and ESG dashboards for clients and investors, turning sustainable performance data into clear and credible proof of progress: “We translate these results into clear infographics and ESG dashboards for clients and investors, turning data into transparent proof of progress.”
Building Strong Partnerships
Since 2005, Ecoreco has been a reliable partner to leading multinational corporations and Indian businesses, helping them fulfill their e-waste recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance needs transparently. These partnerships go beyond business transactions; they help clients strengthen their ESG credentials while meeting regulatory requirements.
Ecoreco’s collaborations with technology firms from Europe, Japan, and the United States have boosted its own recycling efficiency and expertise. Through these partnerships, Ecoreco serves as a knowledge bridge—adapting advanced global standards to suit local conditions—while supporting India’s emergence as a center for sustainable technology.
“Our collaborations are not transactional; they are transformative — helping clients build ESG credibility while meeting regulatory requirements.”
Shaping the Future of Recycling
Ecoreco is stepping into a new phase focused on battery recycling, rare metal recovery, and cross-border partnerships for a global circular economy. The company is actively pursuing collaborations with international recyclers, clean-tech firms, and battery manufacturers to co-develop processes that recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from discarded batteries and electronics.
Ecoreco’s vision is to make India a regional center for sustainable waste management technologies—serving not only domestic needs but also becoming a model for emerging economies in Asia and Africa.
Embedding Sustainability into Every Level
Ecoreco’s engagement approach is based on three core pillars: Enlightenment, Empowerment, and Exposure. Employees benefit from regular training sessions, innovation challenges, and recognition programs that help build a sense of ownership and entrepreneurial spirit within the company.
Within communities, Ecoreco runs school programs, kabadiwala training sessions, and local collection drives to encourage safe e-waste handling and promote inclusive development. For stakeholders, the company maintains transparent ESG reporting, offers digital dashboards, and provides verified compliance certificates to support trust and credibility at every stage.
By embracing this ecosystem approach, Ecoreco ensures that sustainability is not just a department—it is a shared behaviour throughout the organization and its broader community.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Recycling in India
India’s recycling industry is at a crucial turning point, driven by the country’s rapid digital advancement and new e-waste management rules. As Mr. B K Soni notes, “India is at a defining moment. The country’s rapid digital growth has created both opportunity and obligation.” With stricter enforcement of the E-waste Management Rules, robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), cost-effective reverse logistics, and digital platforms like BookMyJunk, India is positioned to lead the Global South in circular economy practices.
Ecoreco plans to stay at the forefront of this transformation by expanding lithium-ion battery recycling, adopting artificial intelligence and robotics for greater efficiency, and deepening investments guided by ESG principles. The company’s vision is to make urban mining a mainstream industry—turning waste into economic value and making responsibility a core part of India’s culture.
Building a Legacy of Balanced Profit and Responsibility
Mr. Soni emphasizes that “Sustainability is not a choice — it’s a responsibility we owe to future generations.” He believes that all individuals, businesses, and policymakers must make eco-friendly practices a natural part of their daily lives. True success will be reached when sustainability moves beyond being an option and becomes a way of life.
He hopes Ecoreco will be remembered as a company that demonstrated how profit and purpose can coexist without compromise. By formalizing and transforming the overlooked e-waste sector from an environmental threat into a foundation for sustainable growth, Ecoreco’s story stands as a testament to the power of integrity and persistence to reshape an industry. This, he believes, will be a worthy and lasting legacy.
Open Letter for Upcoming Leaders and Professionals in the Sustainability Space
Dear Readers,
I want to share a simple yet powerful message with all upcoming leaders and professionals in the sustainability space: Integrity, Intention, and Impact. Embrace sustainability early and make it an essential part of your strategy—not just a line item in CSR reports. Invest in research and development because technology is the key differentiator in green solutions. Above all, be persistent. Building systems that honor and protect our planet is rarely glamorous work—it requires patience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to never compromise.
As I often say, true leadership doesn’t happen in boardrooms but on the shop floor, where ideas are tested, refined, and proven. This is where real change begins and where sustainability takes root.
Sincerely,
B. K. Soni, Chairman and Managing Director
Eco Recycling Limited (Ecoreco)
5 Key Takeaways from B. K. Soni’s Impact on India’s E-Waste Sector
- Formalizing E-Waste: B. K. Soni and Ecoreco pioneered the formal e-waste sector in India, becoming the first BSE-listed company in the field. This action brought transparency and professionalism to an informal industry, viewing discarded electronics as an “urban mine.”
- Innovation for Access: Ecoreco overcame logistical hurdles (“4Ls”) using digital and mobile solutions like BookMyJunk and Recycling on Wheels. These innovations made secure, responsible recycling easily accessible to homes and businesses across the country.
- Sustainable Business Model: The company operates with a zero-debt structure and focuses on efficiency-driven technology. This demonstrates that profit and environmental purpose can successfully coexist.
- Leading Future Recycling: Ecoreco is proactively focusing on the future of resource management by expanding into lithium-ion battery recycling and the recovery of rare metals, positioning India as a leader in the circular economy.
- Shared Responsibility: Sustainability is promoted through an “Ecosystem Approach” involving all stakeholders. Ecoreco’s efforts range from high-level corporate partnerships to community education and training for local waste collectors, ensuring broad participation.
