E-WASTE RECYCLING PROJECT MODEL

Why E-Waste Recycling in Nepal is a Great Idea

Growing Issue: Nepal is using more and more technology, which means more
electronic trash. Right now, there aren't good ways to get rid of it safely.
Informal Recycling: Most of Nepal's electronic trash is handled by small groups,
not big companies. They don't always do it safely or get all the valuable stuff out.
Your startup could make a big difference by doing it the right way.
Government Help: The government in Nepal is starting to pay attention to this
problem, which could mean they'll support businesses like yours.
Saving Resources: Recycling electronics isn't just good for the environment, it's
also a smart way to get valuable materials without digging up new stuff.
Helping People: People in Nepal care more and more about protecting the
environment. Your recycling business can help with that and make a positive
impact.

Steps for Starting an E-Waste Recycling Business

How You'll Make Money:
Getting E-Waste: Make it easy for people to give you their old electronics. You
can pick them up from homes and businesses, or set up places where people can
drop them off. You could also partner with stores that sell electronics.
Taking Apart Electronics: You'll need a place where you can take apart the
electronics safely. Then you can sort out the parts to be recycled.
Finding Partners: Work with other companies that recycle, or find buyers for the
materials you get from recycling electronics.
Following Rules: Make sure you know the rules for recycling in Nepal and get any
licenses or permits you need.
Spreading the Word: Tell people why it's important to recycle electronics and let
them know about your recycling service.
Getting Things Done: Figure out the best way to collect, sort, move, and store the
electronics you're recycling.
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Using Technology: Look into using apps or computer programs to keep track of
what you're collecting and help people know how much their electronics are
worth.

Challenges to Think About

Getting Money: It might be hard to get enough money to buy the equipment and
start the business. You could try to get grants or find people who want to invest in
businesses that help the environment.
Dealing with Other Recyclers: Other people who recycle electronics might see
you as competition. You might need to find ways to work together or teach them
better ways to do things.
Building Trust: People need to trust that you're going to recycle their electronics
safely. Being honest about what you do can help with that.

Extra Things You Could Do

Fixing Electronics: You could also offer to fix old electronics so they can be used
again.
Protecting Data: Businesses might be worried about their information on old
electronics. You could advertise that you'll make sure their data is safe.
Useful Links
Nepal's Ministry of Forests and Environment: Check here for rules about recycling:
https://mofe.gov.np/
Look for NGOs that work with recycling: They might have good ideas or want to
work with us.

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 Business Model:
Evaluating Models Based on our Needs
Resources:
Funding: How much money do you have or can you get? Are there grants or
investors you can reach out to?
Facilities: Do you have a place where you can set up shop, either for collecting e-
waste or processing it?
Connections: Do you already know people who could help you collect e-waste,
sell materials, or fix electronics?
Skills:
Technical Know-How: Do you or someone you know understand electronics and
how to take them apart?
Repair Skills: Can you or someone else fix broken electronics?
Business Smarts: Do you know how to run a business, including organizing things,
managing people, and promoting your services?
Vision:
Size: Do you want to keep your business small and local, or do you dream of
making a big impact on e-waste in Nepal?
Social Impact: Are you focused mainly on solving the e-waste problem, or do you
also want to create jobs or make tech more affordable?

Matching Models:
Figure out which model might be best:
Collection-Focused
Less Money Needed: If you don't have much money and can't get a big facility,
this could be a good start.
Skills – Organizing & Talking: You'll need to be good at setting up ways to collect
e-waste and telling people about your service.
Vision – Working Together: This model is all about teaming up with other
recyclers.

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Integrated Recycler
More Money Needed: You'll need cash for both a place to work and special
equipment.
Skills – Knowing How Things Work: You've got to understand how to handle e-
waste safely and manage a recycling operation.
Vision – Doing It All: This is for you if you want to be a one-stop-shop for e-waste
recycling.

Upcycling Hybrid
Costs Vary: Depending on how big you want your refurbishment operation to be,
you might need more or less money.
Skills – Fixing & Selling: You need to know how to repair electronics and market
them.
Vision – Balancing Acts: If you care about both getting rid of e-waste and making
tech affordable, this could be right for you.

Note: These aren't strict rules! We can start with one model and switch to
another later if things change.

Our Task:
Rate self from 1-5 on each of the "Resources," "Skills," and "Vision" factors. This
might give us a better idea of which model suits us best right now.

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 Revenue Model:
Core Revenue Streams
1. Sale of Recovered Materials:
o Metals: Copper, aluminum, steel, precious metals (gold, silver, etc.) in
varying quantities.
o Plastics: Different grades of plastic have different market values.
o Glass: Potential value if segregated from CRT monitors/TVs.
o Market Research is KEY: Know what local and international buyers will
pay per kilogram/ton for different materials.
2. Collection Fees:
o Residential: Small fees for household quantities or a free pickup to
encourage participation.
o Business & Institutional: Charge per volume or weight collected,
especially for bulkier e-waste.
o Tiered Models: Free for basics, but premium for data destruction or
specialty items.
3. Refurbishment and Resale:
o Functional Electronics: Test, repair if needed, and sell on the
secondhand market (online or a physical shop).
o Parts Harvesting: Even if not fully functional, extracting working
components for repair has value.
4. Secure Data Destruction:
o Certificates of Destruction: Offer auditable proof of data wiping, very
appealing to businesses.
o Higher Fees: This can be one of your most profitable services if
marketed correctly.
o

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Additional Potential Revenue
• Partnerships: Could you preprocess e-waste and sell certain materials to
existing informal sector recyclers for final extraction?
• Upcycling: Creatively repurposed e-waste transformed into sellable items.
• Consultation: Offer advice to businesses on responsible e-waste disposal
practices.
Factors Critically Impacting Your Revenue Model
• Volume: How much e-waste you consistently collect dictates everything
else.
• Efficiency: Optimized processes maximize material recovery and reduce
labor costs.
• Niche or General?: Specializing in high-value items vs. handling a wide
range of e-waste.
• Nepali Market Dynamics: What will buyers actually pay, what are the
logistical costs (transport, etc.) within Nepal.

Basic Revenue Calculation

Step 1: Assumptions
Let's use the original assumptions, but also add in a more realistic collection
target for the early stages of your startup:
• Focus: Collection + basic dismantling.
• Collection Volume: 200kg mixed e-waste per month (starting point).
• Materials:
o Mixed Metals: Rs. 65000 per ton
o Plastics: Rs. 13000 per ton
o Refurbishment: 10% salvageable at Rs. 2600 per item

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Step 3: Conversion Calculations
• Metals:
o Price per ton in NPR: Rs. 65000
o Revenue (0.5 tons): 65,000 NPR * 0.5 = 32,500 NPR
• Plastics:
o Price per ton in NPR: $100 * 130 NPR = 13,000 NPR
o Revenue (0.1 tons) = 13,000 NPR * 0.1 = 1,300 NPR
• Refurbishment:
o Price per item in NPR: $20 * 130 NPR = 2,600 NPR
o Revenue: (200 kg * 0.10) * 2,600 NPR = 52,000 NPR
Hypothetical Monthly Revenue in NPR:
• 32,500 NPR (Metals) + 1,300 NPR (Plastics) + 52,000 NPR (Refurbishment) =
85,800 NPR
Important Reminders
• Costs: This is just revenue. MUST deduct your operating costs (collection,
labor, etc.) to understand actual profit.
• Fluctuations: Exchange rates and material prices change, so this calculation
is a snapshot in time.
• Scaling: As your collection volume increases (hopefully!), revenue will also
grow.
Nepal-Specific Adjustments
You'll get the most accurate revenue model by replacing the generic material
prices with what buyers are actually paying for scrap metals and plastics in Nepal.

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 Niche Opportunities
1. Mobile Phones and Smart Devices:
• Many people in Nepal use mobile phones and smart devices. Recycling
and fixing these gadgets could be a good niche because they often have
valuable parts inside.
2. Computers and IT Equipment:
• Businesses and schools in Nepal often get rid of old computers and IT
gear. Specializing in recycling these electronics could be a niche because
they contain valuable parts like circuit boards.
3. Batteries and Power Sources:
• Batteries from gadgets like phones and laptops are tricky to recycle
safely. If you focus on recycling batteries, you could stand out because
not many places offer this service.
4. Precious Metals Recovery:
• Electronics have tiny amounts of valuable metals like gold and silver
inside. If you become an expert at getting these metals out, you could
make a niche for yourself.
5. Data Destruction and Security:
• Businesses worry about data on old electronics getting into the wrong
hands. If you specialize in safely wiping or destroying data, you could
attract customers who care about privacy.
6. Specialized Electronics Recycling:
• Some electronics, like medical devices or machinery, need special care
when recycling. If you become known for handling these kinds of
gadgets, you could get customers from specific industries.

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