Dive into the inspiring journey of Abhishek Agashe, co-founder of ELIMA, as he shares with @AmitBhawani how he built a thriving business in waste management and circular economy. From humble beginnings in Pune to overcoming personal and professional challenges, Abhishek has turned his passion for sustainability into a business that is driving change. In this podcast, he discusses the importance of segregation, the myths around recycling plastics, and the untapped potential of waste as a resource. Learn how ELIMA is empowering communities, creating value out of recyclables, and paving the way for a greener India. If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, sustainability, or the future of recycling, this conversation is a must-watch!

Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:35 - Abhishek's Journey to Renewable Energy 08:14 - Life Lessons from Engineering 11:55 - Abhishek's First Job and Village Life 13:18 - Smokeless Cooker Innovation 23:11 - Studying Renewable Energy Abroad 27:24 - A Comparison of Indian and Global Education Systems 30:30 - The Future of Education in India 36:53 - Introduction to Waste Management in India 38:58 - The Truth About Plastic Recycling 43:26 - Starting a Waste Management Business in India 49:31 - Rebuilding the Business with New Strategies 54:31 - The Value of Waste: Turning Trash into Cash 56:52 - India’s Informal Waste Economy 59:13 - The Importance of Segregating Waste at Source 01:01:56 - The High Cost of Ignoring Waste Management 01:16:49 - Turning Waste into Income: The Power of Segregation 01:19:53 - The E-Waste Economy: Challenges and Opportunities 01:24:29 - Government Policies for Recycling: Enabling the Industry 01:25:30 - The Future of Battery Recycling and EVs 01:28:29 - What is EPR and Why It Matters? 01:35:36 - The Role of Automation in Waste Management 01:42:51 - what is the biggest opportunity ELIMA has provided 01:45:00 - Scaling a Bootstrapped Waste Management Business 01:47:45 - the innovator's dilemma 01:48:50 - Challenges and Opportunities in Physical Businesses 01:54:42 - The Role of Debt and Investment in Scaling a Business 01:58:29 - IPO Plans and the Future of ELIMA 02:00:20 - Final note.