Aurangzeb “Zeb” Khandwala, York ’18, is the CEO of Bay Polymers, a recycling center that handles hazardous and non-hazardous material. Zeb and his team are responsible for rediverting tens of thousands of pounds of plastics from landfills and incineration centers every day and reintroducing the plastic into the supply chain industry.
Bay Polymers is a 50,000 square foot, stat-of-the-art recycling centre in Toronto, Ontario, located only fifteen minutes from the Toronto Pearson airport. It is one of the few organizations in the area equipped with a washline to appropriately clean and decontaminate incoming plastics.
Currently, Zeb is a strategic advisor on the advisory board for the Great Sea Project whose objective is to help reduce ocean plastics by creating sustainable programs of recycling in vulnerable areas around the globe. They are focusing in areas where there are no to extremely limited recycling programs.
Zeb was honoured in March 2021 by his alma mater as a Top 30 Changemakers under 30 for being driven to make a meaningful difference for local and global communities.
Zeb studied and received his bachelor of arts in social sciences at York University where he joined Phi Delta Theta. During his time as a brother he cultivated his love for social and political activism which led to the creation of Bay Polymers.
When Zeb reflected on his Phi Delta Theta experience, he said, “The Fraternity provided all the fundamental tools I needed to become the person I am. I honestly believe that one of the best decisions I made during my university career was to join Phi Delta Theta. Skills that I would not have developed through traditional education I got to develop through Phi Delta Theta. As an example, by being on the executive board I developed my leadership skills and the ability to create and develop a brand which have been invaluable skills as a changemaker, business owner, and a leader.”
“Two quotes that I learned during my time as a collegiate member have become my philosophy in life. One by Phi Delta Theta Founder Robert Morrison: ‘To do what ought to be done but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.’ This quote has been my driving force for so many of the initiatives I undertake. The environmental issues we encounter today are unprecedented, and I believe through my company I can create change. As a new member, I took an oath, and I apply this part of the oath to the environment: ‘I will strive in all ways to transmit [the environment] to those who may follow after, not only not less, but greater than when it was transmitted to me.’ Hopefully one day I can bring meaningful changes to society.”
