Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Our project digitizes waste collection in Nigeria, incentivizing eco-conscious behavior and creating a network of community aggregators to revolutionize recycling. By converting waste into new products, we drive sustainable change and environmental impact

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Our startup, Kyrus Recycling, is a recycling company that leverages digital technology to transform waste management in Nigeria. We collect and recycle a wide range of inorganic solid waste materials, including plastic, wood, metal, tires, and paper, into value-added products (high-quality recycled manufacturing intermediates). Our innovative approach involves a digital platform that facilitates partnerships with other recycling companies, ensuring a seamless supply chain for the waste materials we collect. We are implementing a community-based waste collection and aggregation system powered by technology. This platform empowers individuals to take ownership of environmental sustainability by providing cash incentives for participating in the recycling process. Our goal is to engineer a behavioral shift towards a sustainable environment by promoting eco-friendly practices and fostering a recycling culture.

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

Report by Statista shows that Nigeria generates over 32 million tons of waste annually, with less than 12% being recycled while the global demand for recycling is worth over $58 billion and growing at a CAGR of 8.6%, this is due in part, to inefficient logistic systems in the recycling industry. Kyrus Recycling addresses this problem by providing a convenient mechanism for everyone to contribute to a sustainable environment. We convert waste materials into intermediate manufacturing products (flakes) for the manufacturing industry, reducing dependence on virgin materials and conserving resources. Our solution also solves the logistics and distribution issues encountered in the waste industry, making it easier for recycling companies to receive waste directly from the source of waste generation.

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

Our solution offers three major benefits: 1. Easy and Scalable Recycling: Users can exchange waste materials for financial incentive with just a tap on their phones, making it convenient and scalable. 2. Multi-Waste Recycling: Our system allows users to exchange all types of solid waste (paper, plastic, glass, metal, wood, tires) and provides a single platform for collection and processing, eliminating the need to find multiple recycling organizations. 3. Cost-Effective and Sustainable: Our solution provides a cost-effective alternative raw material source (recycled plastic PET flakes) for manufacturing companies in the textile industry, enabling them to operate sustainably without overdependence on natural resources, and contributing to resource conservation efforts.

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

Our product and service primarily target corporate and private entities such as factories, malls, hotels, event centers, and restaurants, households, and schools which will benefit from easy access and financial incentives for recycling their waste products. We also target organizations that incorporate recycled waste products (flakes) into their production processes, such as manufacturing companies in the textile, fiber, building, and packaging industries who would use our recycled flakes as raw material source for production.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-06-22

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

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

Kyrus Recycling is run by 4 founding members which include Precious Aikhomu is a software developer with over three years of experience in crafting successful websites and technological innovations. She is proficient in multiple programming languages and a proven track record of leading tech development initiatives. With a passion for finding the confluence between tech and sustainability, she cofounded Kyrus Esther Kuforiji is a chartered accountant with over six years of experience in accounting and tax administration. She has worked as a Tax Executive and Tax Manager at various companies Akhigbe Eromosele has over four years of experience in the plastic recycling industry, working at Alkem Nigeria Ltd. He is a business developer and holds several certifications in business development. Triumph Ekhosayator is a communications expert with a diverse background in energy, development, integrated marketing, and public health. He is also a thought leader at Illuminem.

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

https://kyrusrecycling.github.io/ (website), https://www.instagram.com/kyrusrecycling?igsh=NDcyeG5meWxza3Jx (Instagram)

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Environmental And Waste Recycling

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our project supports the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of No Poverty (SDG 1) by providing economic opportunities for individuals and communities. By creating a platform for waste recycling and aggregation, we empower individuals to become sustainability champions and earn a decent living wage. This not only helps to reduce poverty but also promotes a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Our project provides a means of income for anyone willing to become a sustainability champion and recycle their waste materials.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Our project supports the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) by addressing the health risks associated with improper waste disposal. Indiscriminate waste dumping can lead to clogged drainage systems, flooding, and the accumulation of stagnant waters, which are breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents. These vectors can spread diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and leptospirosis, which are significant public health concerns in Nigeria. By providing a digital platform for waste collection and recycling, our startup helps to reduce the amount of waste that is dumped indiscriminately, thereby minimizing the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. This contributes to the SDG 3 goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all, particularly in low-income communities where access to proper waste management infrastructure is often limited.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

Our project supports the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) by promoting proper waste disposal and management practices. By providing a digital platform for waste collection and recycling, we encourage individuals and communities to adopt responsible waste disposal habits, thereby reducing the amount of waste that is littered in the environment. This contributes to the SDG 6 goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Proper waste disposal helps to prevent water pollution, which is a significant concern in Nigeria, where many communities lack access to safe and reliable water sources. By reducing the amount of waste that enters waterways and soil, our project helps to protect public health and the environment, ultimately contributing to the achievement of SDG 6.

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

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

Our project supports SDG 8 by promoting economic growth and decent work for all. Our model of aggregators using the successful agency banking model in Nigeria allows individuals to earn additional income, contributing to the goal of full and productive employment and decent work for all. This also aligns with the target of promoting policies to support job creation and growing enterprises, as our aggregators play a crucial role in creating employment opportunities and stimulating local economies.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports SDG 9 by building technological and systemic infrastructure that transforms the waste recycling industry at scale. We address bottlenecks in the industry by providing a digital platform for waste collection and recycling, which promotes sustainable industrialization and innovation. This contributes to the goal of upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

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 supports SDG 11 by addressing the issue of indiscriminate waste dumping, which contributes to the buildup of waste in cities and communities. This leads to the proliferation of disease vectors and a rise in disease outbreaks, making these communities unsafe. By providing a digital platform for waste collection and recycling, we promote sustainable waste management practices, reducing the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. This aligns with SDG 11's target of reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities, including air pollution and waste management.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports SDG 12 by promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. We enable end-use consumers to provide their waste items for conversion to new products, reducing waste and promoting resource conservation. Additionally, we provide high-quality recycling intermediates to manufacturing companies, allowing them to use these materials as raw materials in their processes rather than relying on virgin materials and depleting natural resources. This approach aligns with the circular economy principles of reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling, ultimately contributing to the goal of ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports SDG 13 by addressing climate change through sustainable waste management practices. We provide recycled alternatives to natural resources, reducing the need for deforestation and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, we remove waste items that would otherwise end up at landfills, preventing the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and global warming.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports SDG 14 by addressing marine pollution. It is estimated that millions of tons of waste items enter the ocean annually, causing harm to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. By providing a digital platform for waste collection and recycling, we reduce the amount of waste that enters the ocean, contributing to the goal of preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Our startup supports SDG 15 by addressing the issue of indiscriminate waste dumping, which contributes to land devaluation and destruction of terrestrial ecosystems. By providing a digital platform for waste collection and recycling, we promote sustainable waste management practices, reducing the amount of waste that enters the environment and conserving natural resources.

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.

3

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

3

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.

5

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.

1 - Strongly Disagree

06.08 Justification for my startup

Our startup innovates by introducing a novel service of designated aggregators, inspired by the agency banking system. This approach increases efficiency in removing waste items from the environment. Additionally, our platform serves as a collaboration hub, connecting recycling organizations with a reliable source of waste materials for their recycling processes. This innovation improves upon existing recycling systems by making them more convenient and efficient.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Our main competitors are recycling organizations like EcoConnect and EcoFuture in Edo State. While the business model for these competitors involves collection of waste materials from landfills and individuals who are able to bring waste items to their operational locations, with TrashPay, we would directly relate and receive waste from their various sources of generation, interacting directly with waste generators and communities which will make us the most dominant and most preferred recycling organization. Our novel aggregation system would ensure that everyone has ease of access to recycling their waste items without having to live close to a recycling organisation. Finally, our system provides an opportunity for collaboration with other recycling organisations who can leverage on our network and logistic system to get their required waste material such as paper, glass, metal thereby contributing to the overall growth of the industry.

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

To promote female entrepreneurship in Benin City, we will share our experiences and challenges faced as female entrepreneurs, create a network to share resources, skills, and tools, facilitate knowledge sharing and mentorship among female entrepreneurs, and support female-led businesses through training and capacity building. We aim to empower female entrepreneurs in Benin City and create a supportive community for them to grow and thrive.