Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The “PickMe” waste management project aims to address the lack of proper waste management and untimely pickups of waste containers at various designated points. By implementing innovative strategies, community engagement, and efficient collection systems,

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Enhanced Waste Collection Efficiency: Smart Collection Routes: Develop an intelligent route optimization system using real-time data to reduce travel time and fuel consumption for waste trucks. Sensor-Equipped Bins: Install smart bins with fill-level sensors to ensure timely pickups. Community Participation and Awareness: Educational Campaigns: Organize workshops and awareness drives to educate residents about waste segregation, recycling, and responsible disposal. Volunteer Cleanup Days: Encourage community members to actively participate in neighborhood cleanups. Collaboration with Stakeholders: Local Authorities: Partner with municipal bodies to streamline waste management policies. NGOs and Environmental Groups: Involve these organizations in awareness campaigns. Technological Solutions: GIS Mapping: Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map bin locations and collection routes. Mobile App: Develop a user-friendly app for residents to report overflowing bins, request pickups.

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

1. Lack of Proper Waste Collection Routes Many cities and towns struggle with poorly designed waste collection routes. Traditional routes may not consider real-time factors such as traffic congestion, road closures, or seasonal variations. As a result, waste trucks often take longer routes, leading to increased fuel consumption, higher operational costs, and delayed pickups. 2. Overflowing Bins and Littering Insufficient waste collection frequency results in overflowing bins. Overflowing bins attract pests, emit foul odors, and create an unsightly environment. Residents may resort to illegal dumping, exacerbating the problem and posing health risks. 3. Environmental Impact Improper waste management harms the environment. Overflowing bins leak pollutants into soil and water, affecting ecosystems. Landfills fill up faster due to inefficient waste disposal, contributing to soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

The “PickMe” project is a collaborative effort to transform waste management. By involving the community, leveraging technology, and optimizing collection routes, we can create a cleaner, greener future for all. Below are some of the benefits of this are: 1.Timely Waste Collection: Reduced overflowing bins and improved waste pickup schedules. 2.Cleaner Neighborhoods: Engaged residents actively participating in waste management. 3.Resource Conservation: Increased recycling rates and reduced landfill usage. 4.Healthier Environment: Minimized health risks associated with improper waste disposal. 5.Provisin of jobs: i twill also help create jobs for the people in the country.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

1.Residents and Communities: • Primary Beneficiaries: Residents living in urban and suburban areas where waste management services are provided. How They Benefit: o Improved waste collection efficiency ensures cleaner neighborhoods. o Educational campaigns empower residents with knowledge about responsible waste disposal. 2.Local Authorities and Municipal Bodies: • Primary Beneficiaries: Government agencies responsible for waste management policies and operations. How They Benefit: o Collaboration with the project streamlines waste collection routes and ensures compliance with regulations. o Efficient waste management contributes to a healthier environment and reduced operational costs. 3.Businesses and Commercial Establishments: • Primary Beneficiaries: Local businesses, markets, and restaurants. How They Benefit: o Proper waste management enhances their reputation and customer experience. o Recycling initiatives may lead to cost savings or revenue from selling recyclable materials

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2021-07-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Abugri Benjamin is an associate partner in this business and he's a public health worker and who will assist to evaluation in his working sector in other to make this business a success. Andivie Diedong, is a current Computer Science student at the University of Energy and Natural Resources and she play the role as partnering member to help channel and streamline this project in the right directon

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

https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_self_edit_contact-info%3BZ%2BlYpsm%2FTt6AIoRuQMANCA%3D%3D

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Environmental Services and Sustainability industry

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

This project will foster Job Creation and Livelihood Enhancement: Efficient waste management systems require a workforce for waste collection, sorting, recycling, and maintenance. By creating jobs in waste management, the project directly contributes to poverty reduction. Employment opportunities can uplift individuals and families, providing stable incomes. Resource Recovery and Income Generation: The project emphasizes recycling and proper waste segregation. When recyclable materials (such as plastics, paper, or glass) are collected separately, they can be sold to recycling industries. This generates income for waste collectors and contributes to economic stability. Health and Well-Being: Proper waste management reduces health risks associated with overflowing bins, pests, and pollution. Improved health leads to increased productivity and economic well-being. Families spend less on healthcare, indirectly alleviating financial burdens.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Reducing Food Waste: Cutting down food waste is crucial for achieving zero hunger. By optimizing waste collection routes and ensuring timely pickups, the project minimizes food waste. Less wasted food means more available resources for those in need. Enhancing Food Security: Efficient waste management ensures that edible food doesn’t end up in landfills. Redirecting surplus food to food banks, shelters, or community kitchens benefits vulnerable populations. When food reaches those who are hungry, it directly contributes to food security. Economic Impact: Proper waste management reduces costs associated with waste disposal. These cost savings can be redirected toward food programs, subsidies, or support for low-income families. Sustainable Food Systems: The project’s focus on transforming food systems aligns with the Zero Hunger goal. Sustainable practices ensure long-term availability of nutritious food for all.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Reducing Health Risks: Proper waste management minimizes health hazards associated with overflowing bins, pests, and unsanitary conditions. By ensuring timely waste pickups, the project directly improves community health and well-being. Air and Water Quality Improvement: Overflowing bins and improper waste disposal release pollutants into the air and water. Efficient waste collection prevents contamination, leading to cleaner air and safer water sources. Better air quality reduces respiratory illnesses and promotes overall well-being. Disease Prevention: Overflowing bins attract rodents, insects, and disease-carrying pests. By maintaining clean neighborhoods, the project reduces the risk of vector-borne diseases (e.g., dengue, malaria, and cholera). Community Engagement and Mental Health: Volunteer cleanup days and community participation foster a sense of purpose and social connection. Engaged residents experience better mental health and overall well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

1.Community Learning: o Involving schools, community centers, and local influencers in the project fosters community learning. o Students and community members actively participate, gaining insights beyond textbooks. o Practical experiences enhance their understanding of environmental issues. 2.Technology Literacy: o Developing a “PickMe” mobile app will introduce technology to residents. o Users learn how to report overflowing bins, request pickups, and access waste management tips. o Digital literacy is essential for lifelong learning. 3. Environmental Education: o Understanding waste management contributes to environmental literacy. o Residents learn about waste reduction, recycling, and the impact of their actions. o Educated citizens make informed choices, promoting sustainable practices. 4. Recognition and Rewards: o Recognizing volunteers during cleanup days encourages active participation. o Positive reinforcement reinforces the value of community engagement.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Equal Participation: The project encourages community engagement, including workshops and volunteer cleanup days. By involving both men and women, it promotes equal participation and representation. Women’s active involvement challenges traditional gender roles and fosters inclusivity. Educational Opportunities: Educational campaigns reach diverse audiences, including women and girls. Learning about waste management, recycling, and sustainability provides valuable knowledge. Access to education empowers women and contributes to gender equality. Job Creation and Empowerment: Waste management jobs (such as waste collectors, supervisors, or educators) can benefit both genders. Creating equal employment opportunities ensures economic empowerment. Women’s participation in waste management professions challenges stereotypes. Health and Safety Considerations: Proper waste management directly impacts health. Women often bear the burden of household waste disposal.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

My project will seek to maintain clean waster and sanitation for the community and the country at large. This will be done by focusing on our polluted water bodies in our communities. Many water bodies has been polluted by many irrelevant activities such as illegal mining and dumping of refuse into these water bodies. On the other hand, much focus will be given to our beaches in other to make it attractive and healthy for our development, this will also help us generate funds for the company and the tourism ministry. This is to ensure the proper maintenance of our water bodies and our environment.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

The PickMe waste management project can contribute to the goal of affordable and clean energy by implementing waste-to-energy processes. Here’s how: Electricity Generation: Waste-to-energy plants can convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into electricity. In the U.S., about 85 pounds out of every 100 pounds of MSW can be used as fuel to generate electricity. Volume Reduction: These plants significantly reduce the volume of waste, with 2,000 pounds of garbage being reduced to 300-600 pounds of ash, which is about an 87% reduction.Landfill Diversion: By burning waste, less garbage ends up in landfills, which is beneficial for the environment. Sustainable Development: Advanced thermal treatment methods can divert up to 98% of solid municipal wastes to recover energy, nearly eliminating the need for landfills. This is particularly important in areas where access to clean electricity is limited. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help in achieving Sustainable Development Goal7

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

My project will contribute to decent work and economic growth through the following Innovation: This is to encourage innovation in waste processing and recycling technologies, which can lead to the development of new products and services. Entrepreneurship: Stimulate entrepreneurship by enabling the creation of small businesses focused on waste collection, recycling, and upcycling. Education and Training: Offer education and training programs for workers, which can improve skills and productivity in the waste management sector. Community Engagement: Engage with the local community to promote environmental awareness and create a culture of sustainability. These efforts can help build a more resilient economy while ensuring that work in the waste management sector is productive and rewarding

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to industry innovation and infrastructure in several impactful ways: Innovative Technologies: Adopting innovative recycling technologies and waste treatment methods, such as advanced thermal treatment or anaerobic digestion, can produce electricity or fuels, supporting the electrification of energy systems. Circular Economy: Implementing circular economy principles helps in reducing waste generation, minimizing environmental pollution, and promoting sustainable resource use. Sustainable Development: Integrating Industry 4.0 technologies with effective waste management practices can significantly contribute to achieving sustainable development goals. Resource Efficiency: Waste management technologies can improve material efficiency and reduce emissions, contributing to more sustainable urban infrastructure. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 9 by fostering innovation.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to reducing inequalities in several meaningful ways: Socioeconomic Benefits: Effective waste management can generate significant socioeconomic benefits, potentially leading to financial gains for governments and communities, which can be used to reduce inequalities. Environmental Justice: Addressing differential exposure to waste by socioeconomic status (SES) and ensuring equitable waste management practices can contribute to policy making that reduces inequalities. Gender Equality: Considering gender norms and roles in the modernization of waste management practices can promote gender equality and empower women within the sector. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 10 by fostering an inclusive approach to waste management that addresses various forms of inequality.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to sustainable cities and communities in several key ways: Urban Sustainability: Sustainable waste management is crucial for urban sustainability, helping to ensure universal access to basic services and fostering inclusive urbanization. Emissions Reduction: Holistic waste management approaches can help cities reduce emissions through reduction, avoidance, recycling, treatment, and offsetting. Environmental Health: Proper waste management is critical for maintaining sustainable, healthy, and inclusive communities by preventing pollution and promoting cleanliness. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 11 by enhancing the sustainability and resilience of cities and communities through effective waste management practices.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to responsible consumption and production in several impactful ways: Waste Reduction: By reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, your project can contribute to more sustainable consumption patterns. Efficient Practices: Promoting more efficient practices across high-consumption economies can help ensure sustainable development and responsible production. Resource Management: Responsible management of chemicals and waste is a key target of SDG 12, which your project can address by implementing sustainable waste management strategies. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12 by ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns through effective waste management.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to climate action in several significant ways: Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Implementing recycling and the energetic use of residual waste can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Circular Economy: Proper waste management can lead to a clean environment, reduced emissions, and wealth generation through a circular economy approach. Global Emissions: By managing waste effectively, it is possible to address a substantial portion of global emissions, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 13 by taking urgent action to combat climate change through responsible waste management practices.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to life below water in several crucial ways: Marine Pollution Prevention: By reducing waste, especially plastic waste, your project can help prevent marine pollution, which is a major threat to life below water. Climate Change Mitigation: Effective waste management can also contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change on the ocean by reducing CO2 emissions. Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable practices on land can have a positive impact on marine life by preventing harmful substances from reaching the ocean. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 by conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

5

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to life on land in several vital ways: Pollution Reduction: Proper waste management helps in fighting against pollution, which is crucial for the survival of both humans and animals. Ecosystem Protection: By managing waste effectively, your project can protect ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and forests from pollution. Sustainable Habits: Adopting sustainable waste management practices can promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combat land degradation. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 15 by protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to peace, justice, and strong institutions in several meaningful ways: Rule of Law: By adhering to environmental regulations and laws, your project can promote the rule of law at the national level. Transparency: Implementing transparent waste management practices can help reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms. Institutional Capacity: Developing effective, accountable, and transparent waste management institutions can ensure responsive and inclusive decision-making at all levels. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16 by promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

My PickMe waste management project can contribute to partnerships for the goals in several impactful ways: International Cooperation: By engaging in international partnerships, your project can share experiences and best practices in waste management, helping to address global challenges. Green Jobs: Promoting green jobs and stimulating green investments in waste management can contribute to economic growth and sustainable development. Awareness and Capacity Building: Encouraging awareness-raising and capacity-building programs can help in mainstreaming integrated and sustainable waste management strategies. By focusing on these areas, the PickMe project can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 17 by strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

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

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

5

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

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

5

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

5

05.08 Justification

"PickMe" waste management company is focused on the following services to the community and its customers. This is an improved services offered by "Zoomlion" and other waste management companies in Ghana which help deal waste management in our country in other to have clean and healthy environment. Below are some of the improved services which will be streamlined to help make this initiative a successful one; 1. Advanced technology: Utilizing cutting-edge AI for tasks like sorting and route optimization. 2. Customization: Offering tailored solutions based on specific customer needs. 3. Sustainability: Emphasizing eco-friendly practices and contributing to circular economy goals. 4. Cost-effectiveness: Using AI to reduce operational costs, which can be passed on as savings to customers.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

"PickMe" wasted management company's potential competitors could include other companies that offer similar services, such as: 1. Large-scale waste management corporations that have extensive infrastructure and resources. 2. Local waste collection and recycling businesses that have established relationships within the community. 3. Technology-driven startups that focus on innovative solutions for waste reduction and management. What makes "PikMe" AI-powered waste management company stand out includes: Advanced technology: Utilizing cutting-edge AI for tasks like sorting and route optimization. Customization: Offering tailored solutions based on specific customer needs. Sustainability: Emphasizing eco-friendly practices and contributing to circular economy goals. Cost-effectiveness: Using AI to reduce operational costs, which can be passed on as savings to customers

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

no