Empowering Waste Collectors Through E-Tricycles in India

(Source Credits: Plastics For Change)

Every morning, before the city wakes up, thousands of invisible journeys begin.

Men and women. often barefoot, and on empty stomachs set out on foot, walking anywhere between 6 to 7 kilometers a day, collecting plastic waste from bins, roadsides, and landfills. They carry massive sacks on their backs under the scorching sun, breathing in toxic fumes from mixed waste. Some are elderly, many are women, and most are part of India’s informal workforce over 1.5 million waste pickers, according to the International Labour Organization.

They work in silence, without uniforms or ID cards, but they are the first responders to India’s plastic waste crisis.

The Unseen Force Behind India’s Recycling:

Despite the growing popularity of terms like “circular economy” and “net zero”, the truth is that most of India’s recycling wouldn’t happen without these waste collectors. An estimated 70% of plastic recycling in India is powered by the informal sector. These workers pick, sort, and sell waste that would otherwise clog our rivers, streets, and oceans.

Yet, their contribution is barely recognized.

No social security. No medical support. Often, no consistent income. And they do all this on foot walking an average of 12,000 steps a day, lifting 20 to 40 kg loads with little to no protective gear.

This is not just unsustainable for the planet. It’s unjust for the people who are trying to protect it.

Changing this narrative through our brand partnerships:

To change this, we recently provided E-Tricycles for our waste collectors in Chennai through our ongoing partnership with Estee Lauder Foundation.

With this initiative:

1) Longer distances can be covered with more plastic waste collected in less time

2) Higher income can be earned through larger volumes

3) Health conditions improved and dignity of labor is restored

When you switch from carrying a load on your head to riding a clean, branded tricycle, the way people look at you changes. The way you look at yourself changes. You’re no longer “just a waste picker.” You’re part of something larger. You’re a climate warrior on wheels. This is what happens when circular economy solutions are designed for everyone in the chain, especially those at the base of it.

Thanks to our brand partner The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. for helping us make this impact.

A Glimpse into the Future of Ethical Recycling:

India generates more than 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and globally, less than 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled. The climate emergency, ocean pollution, and microplastics in our food chain have made one thing clear: we cannot afford to ignore the people powering this ecosystem.

If we want circularity to succeed, we must design systems that uplift the most essential link in the chain—the workers.

That means technology that is usable, infrastructure that is accessible, and partnerships that are impact-driven.

By combining fair trade principles with innovation on the ground, this initiative is more than just a CSR activity. It’s proof that businesses and communities can collaborate to create real, scalable change.