Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

The Waste Wizard app transforms the face of waste management with an Uber-style model. Users request waste collection via the app, matched to nearby drivers, including resource recovery workers. Users track pickups and earn rewards for recycling.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The Waste Wizard app revolutionizes waste management with an Uber-style model. Users, including households and businesses, can request waste collection through the app by specifying the type and amount of waste and their location. The app connects users with a network of waste management companies, independent contractors, and resource recovery workers. The sophisticated matching algorithm pairs requests with the nearest available waste collection vehicle, ensuring efficient and timely service. Users can track the location of waste collectors in real-time, similar to tracking an on-demand ride.In addition to providing convenience, the app incentivizes recycling by offering rewards for proper waste segregation. Users earn points for recycling, which can be redeemed for discounts on future services or other benefits, encouraging sustainable waste management practices. By integrating technology and fostering a culture of recycling.

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

Despite increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, significant challenges persist in efficiently connecting individuals with companies that recycle specific materials. Current recycling methods often lack transparency and accessibility, leading to underutilization of recyclable resources and increased environmental impact. Many individuals are unaware of where to sell their recyclable items, resulting in missed opportunities for both parties. Traditional waste collection is inefficient, with rigid schedules and routes, and lacks real-time tracking, leaving users uncertain about service timing. Informal waste pickers work in unsafe, unregulated conditions. The Waste Wizard app addresses these issues by providing an on-demand, transparent, and efficient waste collection service that integrates resource recovery workers, encourages recycling through incentives, and improves the overall efficiency and eco-friendliness of urban waste management.

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-Efficient Waste Collection: Waste Wizard offers on-demand waste collection, matching users with nearby collectors in real-time, reducing waiting times and increasing overall efficiency. 2-Transparent Recycling: The app provides transparency by allowing users to track waste collectors, ensuring timely pickups and proper disposal, thus promoting environmental sustainability. 3-Incentivized Recycling: Waste Wizard incentivizes recycling through rewards, encouraging users to segregate waste properly and contribute to a more sustainable future while also providing opportunities for resource recovery workers.

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

Waste Wizard's targeted beneficiaries include urban residents and businesses seeking efficient waste disposal solutions. It caters to environmentally-conscious individuals looking for transparent recycling options. Moreover, it benefits waste management companies seeking to optimize collection routes and resource recovery workers aiming for safer, regulated work environments. Overall, Waste Wizard serves as a bridge connecting users, recyclers, and resource recovery workers, fostering a sustainable ecosystem while enhancing convenience and transparency in urban waste management.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-12

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

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

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

Caleb Godson-passionate and innovative product designer with keen eye for detail and dedication to crafting user centered experiences. Kolawale faniyi-creative experts passionate about helping individuals and business by bringing their vision to life. Products designer graphic designer photography and video editor. Luke Nnamani- passionate and goal driven UI/UX designer groomed by ALT School skilled in figma, interactive designs and responsive designs. Amarachukwu Ogbu- product designer, product manager lover of tech. Ijeoma Alenkhe- IT support product designing and infirmarian quick passion for crafting intuitive digital experiences and ensuring the well-being of students.

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/in/obong-otuinyang-520559210?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

j) Public services

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The Waste Wizard app contributes to the SDG of no poverty by empowering resource recovery workers through formal integration, providing them with safer, regulated work conditions and stable incomes, helping to reduce poverty. It creates employment opportunities for drivers and independent contractors in the waste management sector, offering reliable income sources and supporting economic stability. Additionally, the app provides economic incentives for recycling by rewarding users for proper waste segregation, which promotes environmental sustainability and offers financial benefits. By generating jobs, formalizing the work of resource recovery workers, and incentivizing recycling, Waste Wizard supports the reduction of poverty while fostering a sustainable waste management ecosystem.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While Waste Wizard focuses on waste management, it indirectly supports the SDG goal of zero hunger by reducing food waste and supporting food security. The app can facilitate the segregation and collection of organic waste for composting, enhancing soil fertility for urban agriculture and community gardens. It can also connect businesses with surplus food to organizations that distribute food to those in need, reducing food waste and aiding vulnerable populations. Additionally, Waste Wizard can educate users on reducing food waste through better storage and management practices. By creating jobs for waste collectors and resource recovery workers, the app supports livelihoods, indirectly improving their access to food. Through these measures, Waste Wizard contributes to reducing food waste, promoting food security, and supporting zero hunger initiatives.

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

The Waste Wizard app supports the SDG of good health and well-being by ensuring safer working conditions for resource recovery workers, reducing their exposure to hazardous materials. It promotes efficient waste collection and disposal, minimizing waste accumulation and associated health risks like pollution and disease spread. The app incentivizes recycling, reducing landfill waste and environmental hazards, leading to cleaner air, water, and soil. This effective waste management decreases pollution, enhancing air and water quality. Additionally, Waste Wizard educates users on proper waste management and recycling benefits, fostering a more informed, health-conscious community. Through these measures, the app significantly contributes to improving public health and overall well-being.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

While primarily focused on waste management, the Waste Wizard app indirectly supports the SDG of quality education. It includes educational features to inform users about proper waste segregation, recycling practices, and the environmental impact of waste, raising community awareness. The app provides training programs for resource recovery workers and waste collectors, enhancing their knowledge and skills in waste management and safety practices. Additionally, Waste Wizard can partner with schools and community organizations to run educational campaigns and workshops, teaching students and residents the importance of recycling and proper waste management. By promoting the use of a digital platform, the app also fosters digital literacy among users. Through these initiatives, Waste Wizard indirectly contributes to quality education by enhancing awareness, providing training, and encouraging community engagement in sustainable practices.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Waste Wizard contributes to gender equality by promoting equal employment opportunities in waste management, ensuring training and skill development for both genders, and providing a safe work environment. The app raises awareness about gender equality and supports women entrepreneurs in the waste management sector. By fostering inclusivity and empowering women in the workforce, Waste Wizard contributes to the SDG goal of gender equality.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Waste Wizard indirectly contributes to the SDG goal of clean water and sanitation by promoting responsible waste management practices. It prevents water contamination by properly disposing of hazardous materials and reducing landfill pollution. The app also supports sanitation infrastructure by encouraging proper sewage treatment. Additionally, Waste Wizard facilitates resource recovery, reducing the need for raw material extraction and its associated water pollution. Through educational initiatives, it raises awareness about water conservation and pollution prevention, fostering behavior changes that support clean water and sanitation goals.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

While Waste Wizard primarily focuses on waste management, it indirectly contributes to the SDG goal of affordable and clean energy. It promotes energy recovery from waste by facilitating proper waste segregation and collection. Additionally, by promoting recycling and waste diversion, the app reduces the energy consumption associated with waste transportation and production of new materials. Through educational initiatives, Waste Wizard raises awareness about renewable energy sources and energy conservation practices, fostering a broader societal shift towards cleaner and more affordable energy.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Yes, Waste Wizard contributes to the SDG of decent work and economic growth by creating job opportunities for waste collectors and resource recovery workers, formalizing informal work, fostering economic opportunities for waste management businesses, supporting skill development through training programs, and encouraging entrepreneurship in the waste management sector. Through these initiatives, the app promotes stable incomes, safer working conditions, and economic growth in the community.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Yes, Waste Wizard contributes to the SDG of industry innovation and infrastructure by introducing technological innovation to waste management, stimulating infrastructure development, fostering a marketplace for innovation, integrating the informal sector, and enabling data-driven decision-making. Through these initiatives, the app enhances efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in waste management operations, driving advancements in the industry while promoting sustainable practices.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Yes, Waste Wizard contributes to the SDG of reduced inequalities within and among countries by providing equal access to economic opportunities in waste management, formalizing informal work, stimulating inclusive economic growth, advocating for environmental justice, and ensuring equal access to waste collection services. Through these efforts, the app promotes fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity, thereby reducing disparities and fostering more equitable societies.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Yes, Waste Wizard significantly contributes to the SDG goal of sustainable cities and communities by streamlining waste management processes, promoting recycling, integrating the informal sector, raising public awareness, and enhancing transparency. Through these efforts, the app fosters efficient resource utilization, minimizes pollution, supports social inclusion, and promotes a culture of environmental responsibility, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of cities and communities.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Yes, Waste Wizard significantly contributes to the SDG of responsible consumption and production by promoting waste reduction, resource efficiency, sustainable practices, and transparency. Through recycling initiatives, proper waste segregation, and incentivizing responsible behavior, the app fosters a circular economy model, minimizing resource depletion and environmental degradation. Waste Wizard also enhances transparency in waste management processes, promoting accountability and responsible practices among waste management companies. Overall, the app plays a crucial role in encouraging responsible consumption and production behaviors, thereby supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Yes, Waste Wizard supports the SDG of climate action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through recycling and proper waste management, promoting energy recovery from organic waste, encouraging sustainable consumption behaviors, supporting the circular economy, and educating users about climate change mitigation.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

The Waste Wizard app contributes to the SDG goal of life below water indirectly by reducing marine pollution and protecting marine ecosystems. By promoting proper waste management and recycling practices, the app helps prevent plastic and other waste from entering water bodies, thereby reducing the threat to marine life. Additionally, by incentivizing recycling and waste reduction, Waste Wizard fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, which ultimately benefits marine habitats and biodiversity. Through these efforts, the app supports the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, contributing to the SDG goal of life below water.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Waste Wizard contributes to the SDG of life on land by promoting proper waste management, recycling, and composting, which reduce land pollution and habitat degradation. By advocating for sustainable land use practices and raising awareness about environmental conservation, the app supports the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems, soil health, and biodiversity. Through these efforts, Waste Wizard fosters community engagement and collective action for the protection of life on land.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Waste Wizard indirectly contributes to the SDG of peace, justice, and strong institutions by promoting social inclusion, environmental justice, transparency, community engagement, and partnership building. Through its initiatives in waste management and sustainability, the app fosters economic empowerment, reduces inequalities, strengthens institutional governance, and promotes collective action for common goals, ultimately supporting peaceful and resilient societies.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The Waste Wizard app fosters partnerships across sectors and stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, communities, and academia, to improve waste management and sustainability. These collaborations enhance waste collection, infrastructure, education, and research, promoting environmental stewardship and contributing to the SDG goal of partnership for the goals.

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

2

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

2

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.

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

The Waste Wizard app represents a significant evolution in the field of waste management. By addressing the inefficiencies and limitations of traditional systems, it provides a more user-friendly, transparent, and sustainable solution. As an extension of a broader range of waste management products, it integrates with smart bins, recycling facilities, and educational programs to offer a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The app meets previously unmet demands for convenience, transparency, incentives for recycling, social inclusion, and community engagement. Lastly, it modernizes the basic principles of waste management, bringing them into the digital age with innovative features and a strong focus on sustainability and social equity. Through these multifaceted improvements, Waste Wizard not only enhances existing waste management practices but also sets a new standard for the industry.

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

Waste Wizard faces competition from traditional waste management companies like Waste Management Inc. and Republic Services, as well as tech-enabled solutions such as Rubicon Global and TerraCycle. Other competitors include on-demand waste collection apps like Recycle Track Systems and TrashButler, smart bin companies like Bigbelly and Enevo, and local municipal services. Waste Wizard stands out with its on-demand, flexible services, real-time tracking, incentivized recycling, integration of informal waste pickers, data-driven optimization, and community engagement efforts. These features offer transparency, efficiency, and a strong focus on sustainability, differentiating Waste Wizard in the market.

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

No