How an e-waste recycling startup is building compliant disposal at scale

India generates over a million tonnes of e‑waste annually, and the numbers are only rising as devices get cheaper and lifecycles shorter. While awareness of recycling has grown in metros, most businesses and households still struggle with the basics: how to dispose of electronics safely, securely, and in compliance with regulations.

Founded in 2014, BINBAG Recycling Services set out to solve exactly that problem. What began as a simple attempt to find the right way to dispose of household junk has grown into a fully‑integrated recycling company partnering with businesses across industries to transform discarded electronics into valuable resources.

The founder’s trigger

For Achitra Borgohain, the idea was personal. “The problem that actually gave me an idea of starting an e‑waste recycling company was when I started facing problems at my own home to dispose of my e‑waste, which is typically a computer or a printer,” he recalls.

From the outset, BINBAG positioned itself as more than a recycler. “We are not just recycling; we’re taking care of the entire value chain, from collection and transportation to recycling and compliance. So we like to call ourselves a full‑stack solution,” he says.

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Building Infrastructure

The company started with a small recycling unit of 3,000 tonnes per annum. Today, it operates two plants, including one in Assam with a capacity of 2,500 tonnes per annum. These Pollution Board‑approved facilities ensure compliance with all regulatory norms, giving customers peace of mind.

BINBAG’s services now cover the full spectrum of IT Asset Disposition (ITAD). It offers comprehensive e‑waste recycling, managing the process from evaluation and collection to recycling and compliance. Secure data destruction is available both on‑site and off‑site, with physical shredding for customers requiring higher levels of security. The company also helps manufacturers meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets through transparent processes and industry‑leading certifications. Beyond recycling, BINBAG refurbishes IT products — identifying, testing, and reselling devices to maximize asset recovery and extend their lifecycle.

The company has also built a digital platform that makes the recycling journey seamless. Customers can specify service requirements, track status, and access all documentation in one place, cutting out endless emails and calls.

Achitra recalls how one of their first customers was disposing of e‑waste for the very first time. BINBAG guided them through every step, from asset identification to tagging. “Today, we work with large corporates and enterprises to help them dispose of their e‑waste in a scientific way,” he says.

With its own fleet and a network of logistics partners, BINBAG now provides pan‑India service, ensuring timely and guaranteed collection anywhere in the country.

Assam government’s role

Government support was crucial in scaling the company. “Assam government came in at a very early stage. They actually invested in us. The initial investment from them was a small grant,” Achitra notes.

Since then, the Assam Startup Venture Capital Fund has invested Rs 6 crore in BINBAG. “The recent growth capital has actually helped us move into a new segment: lithium‑ion battery recycling. It has helped us reach geographies that we were not serving earlier,” he adds.

For Achitra, ecosystem building is key. “An ecosystem requires government support, startups, and investors to come together,” he says, pointing to Assam’s Rs 100 crore venture capital fund as a sign of intent to help local companies go national.

Circular economy vision

BINBAG’s goal is to promote a circular economy and minimize environmental impact by ensuring that every piece of electronic waste is recycled, reused, or repurposed. By maximizing asset recovery, ensuring compliance, and strengthening supply chain resilience, the startup positions itself as the smarter alternative for businesses that want sustainability without sacrificing efficiency.

For Achitra, the next chapter is about scale, and eventually, a place on the stock exchange. “I definitely want to see BINBAG as a listed company, as a public company. That’s my personal vision; let’s see how it goes.”

From its beginnings in Assam to expansion across India, BINBAG has grown into one of the country’s most integrated recycling ventures. Backed by government support and trusted by corporates, the company is steadily carving out its place in India’s recycling landscape, with ambitions that extend to the stock exchange and a role in the wider push towards a circular economy.

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