South Africa - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Diverting household waste & used diapers from SA landfills (nearing capacity!) through recycling to create value for consumers & waste pickers. Enable manufacturers and importers to be compliant with the EPR act and track products to end-of-life.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The main aim of the project is to divert more waste away from landfills, change how consumers interact with their waste while ensuring waste pickers are prioritised by ensuring they extract the maximum value out of protecting and cleaning our planet. Used diaper Recycling Pilot: 1.Users purchase a diaper pack containing disposable bag with a QR code. 2.Each pack includes a QR code for easy tracking. 3.When the disposable bag is full, users scan the QR code to indicate readiness for collection. 4.Our waste collectors weigh the waste and ensure proper recycling. 5.Manufacturers receive data on a pack of diapers' lifecycle. Household Waste Collection: 1.Users photograph their discarded items via our app. 2.Sorted waste earns additional points. 3.On scheduled collection days, our eco-friendly tricycles arrive. We weigh the waste, award points (free diapers), and transport it to our central depot. ReYouse reduces landfill waste and promotes recycling.

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

1. Reducing diaper Waste in Landfills Diaper waste poses a significant threat to underground water quality, especially in regions like South Africa facing water crisis. By involving consumers in recycling diapers through our app, we mitigate this risk. Properly recycled diapers reduce groundwater pollution and minimize methane emissions from landfills. 2. Alleviating Landfill Overload South African landfills are nearing capacity, leading to environmental hazards and inefficiencies. ReYou diverts waste away from landfills by encouraging responsible disposal and recycling. Our tricycle-based collection system will ensure efficient waste management. 3. Enhancing End-to-End Product Responsibility (ERP): Manufacturers lack visibility into their products’ lifecycle once they reach consumers. ReYouse bridges this gap by having consumers actively participate in tracking their waste, providing manufactures with increased visibility 4.Better working conditions for waste pickers through tricycles

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

1. Reduced waste entering landfills 2. Reduced GHG (especially methane) from being produced in landfills from used diaper waste 3. Less contamination of groundwater - which will be an important source of alternative water sources in South Africa given the current water challenges 4. Increased visibility of product lifecycle to manufacturers. 5. Behavioural change in consumers with regards to how they interact with their waste 6. Improved working conditions to waste pickers: The is by far one of the greatest benefits to society - ensuring those who take care of our planet get to access real economic benefits e.g. being able to show proof of income to access debt or contact buying, reducing hauling waste through long distances through makeshift carts - which disadvantages women due to the nature of the "work".

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

1. The community 2. Manufacturers and Importers (EPR) 3. Consumers 4. Municipalities

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-01-01

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

0

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

I have not gotten partners as yet for this project. However, there's two I believe would be a great fit - an engineer and a consultant in the financial industry. The first male and latter a woman.

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Reducing diaper Waste and Financial Burden: By encouraging used diaper recycling, ReYouse reduces the financial burden on households. Diapers are expensive, especially for low-income families. When users earn rewards for recycling, they indirectly save money on diapers, contributing to poverty reduction. Creating Income Opportunities: ReYouse tricycle-based collection system provides employment opportunities for waste collectors. These jobs can help lift individuals out of poverty by providing a steady income. Educating users about waste management empowers them to make informed choices, potentially leading to better financial decisions. We believe the project aligns with SDG 1 by promoting responsible waste management, reducing costs for households, and creating employment opportunities.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Reduced methane emissions: Landfills are major sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Diverting waste from landfills can help reduce methane emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. Climate change disrupts weather patterns and agricultural productivity, so reducing its effects can indirectly improve food security. Improved resource management: Recycling household waste reduces the need to extract virgin resources for new products. This can free up land and resources that could be used for food production. Potential for composting: Organic waste like food scraps can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich fertilizer. This can help improve soil health and crop yields, contributing directly to food security.

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

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Reduced Disease: Landfills can be breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests like rodents and mosquitos. Diverting waste from landfills and managing it responsibly can help reduce these risks, promoting a healthier environment for communities. Improved Air Quality: Landfills release harmful air pollutants like methane and volatile organic compounds. Reducing reliance on landfills can improve air quality, especially for those living near landfill sites. This can lead to fewer respiratory problems and overall better health. Safer Waste Handling: Formalizing waste collection through the project will provide waste pickers with proper training and equipment. This can reduce their exposure to harmful materials and improve their overall safety and well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

There's potential to make a significant contribution to the Gender Equality goal by specifically addressing the challenges faced by women waste pickers in South Africa. Safer Waste Collection: By providing tricycles and potentially designated collection routes, our project can reduce the physical demands and risks associated with waste picking. This can make the work more accessible to women who might have previously been excluded due to safety concerns or physical limitations. Improved Working Hours: Formalized waste collection with our app could potentially offer more flexible scheduling options. This can be particularly helpful for women who are caregivers and need to balance work with childcare responsibilities. Increased Income: Earning a stable income through the project can empower women waste pickers financially. This can improve their overall well-being and potentially allow them to afford childcare solutions, further increasing their ability to participate.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Job creation: ReYouse creates new job opportunities for waste pickers in the formal waste collection system. This provides them with a steady income and a path out of informality. Improved working conditions: By providing tricycles and potentially proper equipment, we can make waste picking safer and less physically demanding. This improves the overall well-being of waste pickers. Fair wages: By establishing a structured waste collection system, we can ensure fair compensation for the work done by waste pickers. This contributes to their economic security and reduces income inequality. Entrepreneurship potential: the app-based system could potentially empower waste pickers to become micro-entrepreneurs, managing their own waste collection routes and earning based on their performance. Above creating value out of the waste removed from the usual waste stream, our multi-revenue approach from the data serving EPR-affected corporates in SA makes the model more economically viable.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Innovation in waste management: The ReYouse project introduces an app-based system for waste collection, potentially improving efficiency and transparency in the waste management sector. This can be considered an innovative approach to a traditional system. Improved infrastructure for recycling: By focusing on diaper recycling (through Knowaste technology) and potentially expanding to other household waste, the project can contribute to the development of infrastructure needed for a circular economy. This includes sorting facilities, recycling plants, and potentially even infrastructure for processing recycled materials into new products. There is potential to have another Mpact in SA that is more nimble and diversified in revenue. Empowering informal waste pickers: By formalizing waste picking through the app and potentially integrating them into the waste collection system, we can contribute to a more inclusive and efficient waste management infrastructure.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Economic Empowerment: By creating new job opportunities and ensuring fair wages for waste pickers, we bridge the income gap for a marginalized population, empowering them financially and reducing economic inequality. Social Inclusion: Formalizing waste picking through the app and providing equipment like tricycles can improve the working conditions and safety for waste pickers. This grants them greater recognition and respect within the waste management industry, promoting social inclusion. Gender Equality: As mentioned earlier, we can address the specific challenges faced by women waste pickers. By making waste picking safer and offering flexible scheduling options, we can create more opportunities for women to participate in the workforce, contributing to gender equality. Environmental Justice: By diverting waste and promoting responsible waste management, your project can help create a cleaner and healthier environment for all, reducing environmental inequalities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Sustainable Waste Management: By diverting used diapers and potentially household waste from landfills, we reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal in cities. This contributes to a more sustainable waste management system. Resource Recovery: The focus on recycling diapers and potentially other household waste promotes resource recovery and the development of a circular economy within cities. This reduces reliance on virgin materials and promotes environmental sustainability. Improved Public Health: By reducing reliance on landfills and promoting responsible waste management, we can contribute to cleaner air and reduced disease risks in urban areas. This leads to a healthier environment for city dwellers. Decent Work and Economic Opportunities: As mentioned earlier, the project creates new job opportunities for waste pickers and potentially improves their working conditions. This contributes to the economic and social well-being of cities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

There is an indirect contribution Reduces landfill waste: Diverting used diapers and potentially household waste lessens the environmental burden of landfills. Promotes circular economy: Recycling used diapers and potentially other household waste promotes resource recovery and reduces reliance on virgin materials. Informs manufacturers (EPR): Tracking waste creation under EPR can provide manufacturers with data on the end-of-life of their products. What it doesn't directly address: Doesn't influence consumer behavior: While informing manufacturers can lead to more sustainable products, it doesn't directly change consumer buying habits. Doesn't reduce production: The project focuses on managing waste after consumption, not influencing how much is produced.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Reduced landfill methane: Landfills are major sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By diverting used diapers and potentially household waste from landfills, we can help reduce methane emissions. This contributes to mitigating climate change. Resource recovery and reduced resource extraction: Recycling used diapers and household waste reduces the need to extract virgin resources to create new products. This can help conserve natural resources and potentially reduce the environmental impact associated with resource extraction processes, which can contribute to climate change. Encourages sustainable production (indirect): By informing manufacturers about the end-of-life of their products through waste tracking (EPR), the project can indirectly nudge them towards more sustainable production practices. This could include using fewer resources or designing products that are easier to recycle, ultimately contributing to lower emissions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

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

1 - Strongly Disagree

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.

2

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Our idea does not only focus on household waste, but diaper waste as well. Our aim is to partner with the manufacturers themselves in the diaper production or overall absorbent hygiene product (AHP) consumer sector to enable more robust methodologies for tracking products. Although the service seems to exist in South Africa (only Cape Town) at the moment, the AHP waste is not catered for and there's only one source of revenue. Our waste pickers will essentially serve as consultants or "data capturers" where even though the waste they bring in will be a strong source of revenue for the program, the consulting services for tracking consumer products will be the primary source of income by leveraging the need for organizations to comply with the EPR act. The tricycles to be used are also electric and will enable better coverage and traversing difficult inclines with significant waste on board.

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

Regenize is the closest competitor from the logistics point of view. We stand out based on the above points raised.

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

Within my own household, definitely. I have taken the decision to absorb all the household costs while I free up my partner to focus on her business and build out her geophysical exploration company. I spend time assisting her with pitches to the IDC, connecting her with junior miners and other opportunities within the industry. In as much as it is only one individual, I believe that her success will empower other women to be able to do the same as she will be able to prioritize hiring women and expanding their reach in the highly male dominated industry. I'm also encouraging her to focus on spectral analysis as it is a key factor that could enable us to operate in th bigger scale of waste management in the future.