Common Models of Recycling Structure

Common Models of Recycling Structure

Model 1: creation of a new activity

The creation of a new recycling business is often initiated by an entrepreneur seeking to undertake a different activity. The entrepreneur is generally advised against starting such a business alone. It would be better if he associated himself with other, close entrepreneurs or small business owners who have complementary skills.

At the beginning, the enterpreneur will use the local market both for supplies and sales, and will quickly create three to seven jobs to support development.As the new business leader, the entrepreneur will have to be versatile and be ready to take up various tasks, technical as well as administrative.Therefore, he should have skills and experience in trade, logistics and, ifpossible, the treatment of used computer equipment.Several legal structures could be used for such a business: association,natural person or sole proprietorship.

Model 2: creation of a partnership or an association

When an entrepreneur belongs to an international or national network of associations, businesses or governmental agencies, he will have the oppor tunity to provide solutions that bridge the digital divide. With the support of this network, he can create a business that specialises in putting used equipment back on the market, at a lower cost so that it can be used by low income people, libraries, schools and other local associations.

To create such a business, the entrepreneur will have to be very versatile.In the early stages of the project, he will be in charge of presenting it to his partners, and will have to provide them with a relevant economic model and market research. If he works on an international level, for example if he receives foreign containers of used equipment, he will also have to know how to assess the value of this equipment and to determine to what extent it could be put back on the market. He will also have to master logistics and management.

Model 3: development of activities

Some businesses already involved in computer science and computer technologies can choose to distinguish themselves, using their existing activity to take up computer recycling. Such a business has several advantages: the entrepreneur already knows the market and the recycling issues, and the profits generated by other activities can ensure rapid development. Moreover, the project manager can take advantage of an already existing customer base.

In such a business, the project manager will be responsible for assessing the profitability of this new activity and for bringing about synergies within. In this case, logistics skills are also a valuable asset.

With this model, the project manager will not have to set up a new legal structure, as the new activity can take place within the existing structure.

Afterwards, the new activity can have its own structure, such as a partnership or an association, in order to motivate employees as much as possible.