About India Recycles
A people-powered movement to give donated clothes dignity, purpose and a second life, while building healthier, more empowered communities.
A Simple Observation,
A Big Change
India Recycles began in 2017 when co-founder Renu Pokharna organised a simple clothing swap event in Ahmedabad. Renu had studied public policy at Columbia University in New York, served as a Chief Minister's Fellow in Gujarat and worked at a social enterprise in Uganda. After returning to India, she was struck by how much the city's households discarded and how much its communities needed. The swap was a first answer.
Within months the small swap grew into something structured: a non-profit that collects donated clothes at drop points across the city, sorts them with the help of dedicated volunteers, and sells them at weekly community events in urban slum neighbourhoods. Every item is priced between ₹10 and ₹50 so that cost is never a barrier to dignity.
Every garment that cannot be resold finds a second life through our upcycling programs, Re-Vibe and the Godadi Project, creating handcrafted products and warm bedding made entirely from donated textiles and providing livelihoods to women in the communities we serve.
Today, India Recycles operates across Ahmedabad and Vadodara with 20+ drop locations, 400+ volunteers and over 35,000 lives touched through clothes alone. Surplus sales revenue funds medical camps, scholarships and livelihood programs.
Our Purpose & Values
Our Mission
To create a circular economy for clothes in India by diverting textile waste from landfills, making quality clothing accessible to all, and generating livelihoods in the communities we serve.
Our Vision
A sustainable India where no textile goes to waste, every family has access to quality clothing regardless of income, and slum communities are economically empowered through dignified livelihoods.
Our Values
- Dignity for every person
- Zero waste commitment
- Community empowerment
- Transparency & trust
- Environmental responsibility
Our Team
Passionate individuals driving a sustainable future for India's textile ecosystem.
Renu Pokharna
Co-Founder
Renu holds a degree in public policy from Columbia University, New York, served as a Chief Minister's Fellow in Gujarat and worked at a social enterprise in Uganda.
Published in The Wall Street Journal, she returned to India in 2017 and founded India Recycles from a single clothing swap in Ahmedabad. She leads strategy, fundraising and external partnerships.
Pranav Gupta
Co-Founder
Pranav is a CSR and sustainability policy specialist who joined as co-founder to drive operational execution.
He manages stakeholder partnerships, volunteer coordination and day-to-day programs including community sales, medical camps and upcycling initiatives across Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
India Recycles runs on the passion of 400+ volunteers who give their time every week.
Join Our Team
Be Part of the Story
Whether you donate clothes, volunteer your time, or fund our programs, every contribution matters.