South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Transforming waste management by treating waste as a resource, enhancing recycling efficiency, and creating a sustainable trading platform for recyclables. Our innovative solutions promote economic inclusion and foster a sustainable, equitable ecosystem.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Evergreen Technical Solutions is at the forefront of transforming the waste management landscape in South Africa by driving sustainability and uplifting waste pickers by fostering a circular economy in South Africa. through innovative digital platforms, EcoCycle Exchange and GreenPickr. EcoCycle Exchange acts as a digital marketplace facilitating the sale and purchase of recyclable waste. It serves businesses looking to dispose of their recyclable waste responsibly and sustainably. Importantly, it also empowers informal waste pickers by providing them a platform to sell collected materials directly to businesses, bypassing intermediaries and thus, improving their earnings. GreenPickr, tailored for households, allows residents to schedule pickups of their recyclable waste easily. This platform simplifies the recycling process for households and enhances the volume and quality of materials collected, directly benefiting the waste pickers with increased access to recyclables.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

In South Africa, a major issue in waste management is the low recycling rate, with only about 10% of waste being processed and the rest ending up in overflowing landfills or being illegally dumped. Compounding this, 34% of the population lacks access to regular waste collection services, exacerbating environmental pollution and contributing to soil contamination and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This inefficiency not only wastes valuable materials but also overlooks the economic potential of recycling. Moreover, informal waste pickers, crucial to the recycling process, operate without formal recognition or adequate compensation, facing unstable incomes and harsh working conditions. This system fails to leverage recyclable materials effectively, causing significant environmental damage and missing economic opportunities, underscoring the need for improved waste management practices and better integration of informal waste pickers into the formal economy.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Enhanced Recycling Efficiency: Once fully developed, EcoCycle Exchange and GreenPickr will streamline the recycling process by directly connecting businesses and households with informal waste pickers and recycling facilities. This system will greatly improve recycling rates, ensuring that more materials are efficiently processed rather than ending up in landfills. 2. Economic Empowerment of Informal Waste Pickers: Our platforms will allow waste pickers direct access to the market, helping them get better prices for recyclables, thereby enhancing their incomes and livelihoods. 3. Reduced Environmental Impact: By optimizing recycling operations, these platforms will significantly decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills, reducing environmental pollution and the carbon footprint. These potential benefits underline our commitment to addressing waste management challenges and advancing a sustainable, inclusive economic model that benefits society and the environment.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our startup's services, EcoCycle Exchange and GreenPickr, are designed to serve three key groups: 1. Our primary beneficiaries are the informal waste pickers who are crucial yet underserved in the waste management sector. Our platforms will aim to provide them with direct access to the market, enhancing their ability to earn a fair wage and stabilize their income by connecting directly with businesses and households for recyclable materials. 2. We will target businesses that generate significant amounts of recyclable waste. EcoCycle Exchange helps these companies by providing a reliable and efficient way to manage their waste responsibly, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while reducing waste management costs. 3. GreenPickr is aimed at households, offering them a convenient solution to recycle more effectively. By facilitating direct pickups and rewarding recycling efforts, we engage households in sustainable practices, making recycling accessible and beneficial.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-02-15

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

2

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

2

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Linda Kaumphawi, the founder of Evergreen Technical Solutions, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Management and a Postgraduate in Risk Management from the University of South Africa. With over two years of experience as a Health and Safety Officer, Linda has been deeply involved in the project from its inception, leveraging her expertise in waste management and sustainability. Chisanga Kapacha, a co-founder, is a seasoned Water and Environmental Engineer with a Bachelor's degree from the University of Casablanca and currently pursuing a Master’s in Water and Environmental Management at the University of Bristol. Her background in sustainable water management practices enhances the environmental focus of our projects.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/evergreen-technical-solutions-ets/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Waste Management

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

With 215,000 informal waste pickers currently earning just R2900 per month, we will uplift this community by integrating them into the formal economy. GreenPickr will connect households with waste pickers for efficient recycling collection, providing stable income opportunities and enhancing their livelihoods. EcoCycle Exchange will enable businesses to trade recyclables, ensuring fair prices and a consistent supply chain. This economic inclusion will improve waste pickers' earnings and working conditions, empowering them with financial stability and dignity in their work. By offering training and support, we will also help them develop new skills and increase their productivity. We will support UN SDG 1 by reducing poverty through sustainable waste management and resource recovery, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy. Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting positive impacts on the lives of waste pickers and their communities.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

By integrating 215,000 informal waste pickers into the formal economy, we will provide stable income opportunities and improve working conditions. GreenPickr will connect households with waste pickers for efficient recycling collection, enhancing their earnings and financial stability. EcoCycle Exchange will enable businesses to trade recyclables, ensuring a consistent supply chain and fair prices. This approach will create productive employment and decent work for waste pickers, fostering economic inclusion and sustainability. Our initiative aligns with UN SDG 8 by promoting full and productive employment, decent work for all, and driving economic growth through sustainable waste management practices. Evergreen Technical Solutions is committed to creating a more inclusive and economically viable recycling ecosystem, contributing to long-term economic development and improved livelihoods.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our startup will drive industry innovation and infrastructure by modernizing waste management practices in South Africa. We utilize digital platforms to streamline the recycling process, creating an efficient marketplace for businesses to trade recyclables and connecting households with waste pickers. This technological integration enhances transparency and efficiency in waste management. By incorporating informal waste pickers into the formal economy, we improve their working conditions and provide stable incomes, fostering economic inclusion. Additionally, our approach promotes a circular economy, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimizing environmental impact. These innovations contribute to the development of robust, sustainable infrastructure, aligning with UN SDG 9 by promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering resilient infrastructure. Through these efforts, we aim to transform waste management into a more efficient, and environmentally friendly industry.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our startup will significantly contribute to sustainable cities and communities by addressing South Africa's waste management challenges. We focus on promoting efficient recycling and resource recovery, reducing landfill waste and minimizing environmental impact. Our initiative will ensure regular waste collection for the 34% of citizens currently lacking access, contributing to cleaner and healthier communities. By integrating informal waste pickers into the formal economy, we provide stable incomes and improve working conditions, fostering economic inclusion. Aligning with UN SDG 11, our efforts will reduce environmental impact, support sustainable urbanization, and build a resilient and inclusive recycling ecosystem. Through these initiatives, we support sustainable urban development and create resilient, thriving communities.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

We are building a circular economy marketplace to contribute to the Responsible Consumption and Production goal. By treating waste as a valuable resource, we enhance recycling efficiency and reduce landfill waste. Our digital platform allows businesses to trade recyclables, ensuring materials are reused and kept in circulation rather than discarded. This approach reduces the need for new raw materials and minimizes environmental impact. By encouraging both households and businesses to participate in recycling initiatives, we support sustainable consumption and production patterns. Additionally, we integrate informal waste pickers into the formal economy, providing them with stable income opportunities and improving their working conditions. Through these actions, we create a closed-loop system that promotes environmental sustainability, fosters economic inclusion, and aligns with UN SDG 12.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

We will contribute to Climate Action by significantly reducing waste-related greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting efficient recycling and resource recovery, we minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which are major sources of methane emissions. Our approach facilitates the trade of recyclable materials between businesses, reducing the need for new raw materials and thus lowering carbon footprints. Additionally, we connect households with waste pickers, optimizing waste collection routes and increasing recycling rates, further reducing emissions. Integrating informal waste pickers into the formal economy also promotes sustainable practices and environmental stewardship at the grassroots level. Through these efforts, we support the global fight against climate change by fostering a circular economy and encouraging responsible waste management.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our project brings unique innovation to waste management in South Africa. By leveraging digital platforms, we streamline recycling, creating a marketplace for businesses to trade recyclables and connecting households with waste pickers to optimize collection routes, enhancing transparency and efficiency. We empower informal waste pickers by integrating them into the formal economy, providing stable incomes and better working conditions. Our community-centric approach tailors solutions to the needs of waste pickers, households, and businesses, ensuring effectiveness and sustainability. Our closed-loop recycling system promotes a circular economy, reducing landfill waste and encouraging sustainable practices. By creating jobs in logistics, operations, and support services, we contribute to regional economic growth and provide decent work for waste pickers. These innovations make our initiative a groundbreaking solution in South Africa's waste management sector.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main potential competitors in the waste management sector include Averda, Interwaste, and EnviroServ. What sets us apart is our digital integration, which creates a marketplace for recyclables and connects households with waste pickers, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Unlike traditional companies, we empower informal waste pickers by integrating them into the formal economy, providing stable incomes and better working conditions. Our community-centric approach tailors solutions to specific needs, ensuring sustainability. We promote a circular economy to minimize landfill use and environmental impact, and we create jobs in logistics and support services, contributing to regional economic growth. These innovations make us a unique and competitive player in the waste management sector.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, as a female entrepreneur, I am initiating actions within my community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs. I prioritize empowering women within our company, creating leadership opportunities, and fostering an inclusive workplace. By highlighting the achievements of female entrepreneurs and advocating for their vital role in economic development, I aim to set an example for the upcoming young women in my community and inspire them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. When we succeed, we will mentor and support them to follow their own paths to success. Through my work, I want to be a source of motivation for the next generation of female leaders.