Paul Nicholls Interview
Paul Nicholls, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Recycle it Global (RIG), is driving meaningful change in the global waste and recycling sector by combining technology, data, and strategic partnerships. With a strong background spanning military leadership, global consulting, and operational strategy, he is focused on building scalable, transparent, and commercially viable circular-economy solutions. Under his leadership, RIG is redefining waste as a valuable resource delivering measurable environmental impact while supporting sustainable growth across industries and communities.
The Vision behind Recycle it Global
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to co-found Recycle it Global, and what problem were you determined to solve?”
Paul Nicholls replied, “Recycle it Global was born from a clear gap we saw in how waste was being managed globally; fragmented systems, poor transparency, and limited accountability. Despite growing awareness around sustainability, much of the waste and recycling ecosystem was still inefficient and data-poor. Our motivation was to build a technology-enabled platform that could connect all stakeholders, improve traceability, and turn waste into a valuable resource. At its core, RIG is about proving that environmental responsibility and commercial success can and must go hand in hand.”
Technology as a Catalyst for Change
The Europe Time: How does Recycle it Global leverage technology to transform waste management and recycling practices?
Paul Nicholls replied, “Technology is the backbone of what we do. Our mobile platform connects waste generators, collectors, and processors in a single transparent ecosystem. It enables real-time data capture, verified transactions, and performance tracking across the value chain. This not only improves efficiency and compliance but also builds trust among stakeholders. By using data intelligently, we help organisations reduce costs, improve recycling rates, and demonstrate measurable environmental impact.”
Turning Circular Economy into Action
The Europe Time: Circular economy is a key focus for RIG. How do you translate this concept into real-world impact?
Paul Nicholls replied, “The circular economy must move beyond theory into execution. At RIG, we focus on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through better segregation, recovery, and reuse. We work closely with corporates, local authorities, NGOs, and communities to design systems that are practical, scalable, and economically viable. The real impact comes when circularity is embedded into daily operations, not treated as an afterthought or compliance exercise.”
Leadership Lessons from the Military
The Europe Time: Your background includes extensive leadership experience in the UK Ministry of Defence. How has that shaped your approach as a CEO?
Paul Nicholls replied, “My military background has had a profound influence on my leadership style. It instilled discipline, resilience, and the ability to make decisions under pressure. More importantly, it taught me the value of teamwork, accountability, and mission-focused execution. At RIG, those principles translate into clear strategic direction, operational excellence, and a culture where people understand the importance of their role in achieving a shared mission.”
Global Experience, Practical Solutions
The Europe Time: You’ve worked across consulting, logistics, mining, and waste sectors globally. How does this diverse experience benefit RIG?
Paul Nicholls replied, “Having worked across multiple industries and geographies gives me a broad perspective on operational and commercial challenges. Waste and recycling don’t exist in isolation, they intersect with supply chains, infrastructure, regulation, and economics. This experience allows us to design solutions that are realistic, adaptable, and globally relevant. It also helps us speak the language of our partners, whether they’re corporates, governments, or investors.”
Recognition, Responsibility, and Impact
The Europe Time: Recycle it Global has received significant recognition, including being named among the Top 20 Visionary CEOs. What does this acknowledgment mean to you?
Paul Nicholls replied, “Recognition is always encouraging, but I see it as validation of the work our entire team is doing, rather than a personal achievement. These awards highlight that it’s possible to drive commercial growth while delivering genuine environmental and social value. They also increase our responsibility to keep raising standards and pushing the industry forward.”
Shaping the Future of Waste Management
Lastly we asked, “Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Recycle it Global and the global waste sector?”
“Our vision is for Recycle it Global to become a globally trusted platform for responsible resource management. We want to see a future where waste is fully recognised as a resource, supported by transparent data, strong partnerships, and scalable infrastructure. If we can help reshape how industries and communities think about waste, turning it into opportunity, then we’ll have made a meaningful contribution to combating climate change and environmental degradation.” Paul Nicholls concluded
Connect with Paul Nicholls on LinkedIn
For more information visit Recycle it Global (RIG)
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