10 million kgs of waste traded through innovative app helping informal waste pickers in developing countries
The KOLEKT waste management app, developed by Circular Action, a BVRio group company, has just surpassed 10 million kgs of waste traded, 80% of which was plastic, proving the market for plastic recycling is thriving. The free App provides a way for informal waste pickers to connect and trade with waste generators and buyers, such as recycling centres.
Launched in January 2022, KOLEKT has facilitated over 40,000 transactions and has over 8500 users in 48 countries, with waste pickers in Mozambique and Brazil making up the majority of users, thanks to a series of pilot projects in these countries. New data capture added to the app has revealed that around 60% of its users are female.
“The really staggering fact is that of the 7000 informal waste pickers registered on and earning through the app, 80% have no phone at all. We designed it this way, so that no one is left behind, but even we are blown away by how widespread its use has become with informal waste pickers, thanks to the efforts of our partners in Mozambique and Brazil. This may be the first time that some of these people have ever received fair pay for their efforts.” Thierry Sanders, KOLEKT CEO.
The remaining 1000 users are made up of other actors throughout the waste supply chain such as eco point drop-off operators, aggregators and recyclers, who are using the app to trade with waste pickers.
As well as being used in Brazil and Mozambique, the app is gaining popularity in Vietnam, where among others, schools are using it to trade their recyclables with the local recycler.
In Brazil, KOLEKT is being used by the fishers of Guanabara Bay, who, are funded to spend two days a week ‘fishing for litter’ rather than fish.
“Kolekt has made a real difference in how we work, helping us earn some extra income, especially with fishing being so tough these days. I’m really thankful for how easy the app is to use.“
Jussiara Monteiro, “Binha”, fisher in Rio and KOLEKT user
KOLEKT’s recent developments:
- New subcategories of materials added such as Glass (Returnable bottles, Bottles & low value glass); Foam (Shoes & sneakers); Textiles; Plastic (Composites).
- Improved facial recognition
- New gender information available to business users
- New offline functions to allow transactions to synchronise when connectivity is restored
- Automated price check against market rates to reduce mistakes
- New training guides available
