Startups That Are Redefining The Meaning Of 'Waste Management'

“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.”- Annie Leonard

Recycling is the tool through which not just humanity can prosper but also establish a safer future for the coming generation, but making it a success is more than a herculean task. According to the report of The Times of India, "India alone generates more than 1,00,000 metric tonnes of solid waste every day, which is higher than many countries’ total daily waste generation taken together."  The situation is alarming because more than half of the waste is "inefficient", and only government policies or theoretical approach to sustainable development cannot lead to the desired results. To beat this issue, the arena of startups has seen an upgrade in the field of waste modelling. Following are five emerging startups which are paving the way for the more efficient way of handling waste:

# Recycle Track Systems: 

In the recent years, with the increase in the numbers of Android or IOS applications, everything is just one call away. In this app market, Recycle Track Systems (RTS) works as an "Uber" for the waste disposals. Through its waste pick-up application, this USA based startup is a recycling as well as waste management company, acting as a bridge between the customers and the workers. They have a whole step-wise-step program through which they keep the customer updated about the whole process of the recycling of their waste. It is not only sustainable but also creates in-depth awareness in the users.

Image Source: https://goo.gl/SQxMi6

# Scrapshala:

DIYs or 'Do It Yourself' tricks attract a large viewership on social media, and most of these are created keeping in mind the cost-effectiveness of the final product. Scrapshala has taken this idea to another level. This small startup in Varanasi aims to decrease the pollution, however minutely, through upcycling by creating useful products out of non-biodegradable waste. They have "successfully prevented more than 12,000-13,000 kgs of non-biodegradable waste into eccentric products of decor and utility."

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# Anthill Creations:

India is home to many migrants, and on many levels, their condition is worse than a beggar. Anthill Creations is one such startup creating "interactive learning environment" by using waste products like tires. They have accomplished in building many playgrounds for unprivileged children to give them a sense of belongingness. Through this, they are not just bringing smiles to the faces of children but also teaching them about sustainability and ways to recycle the waste.

Image Source: https://goo.gl/5nYWaU

# Mr. Green Africa: 

Alone in the capital of Kenya, Nairobi, where the startup Mr. Green Africa is situated, the waste production was more than 2000 tons per day, and only a minuscule percentage could be recycled. The condition of the waste collectors is far worse than one can imagine- a "dehumanized" state. This startup works to elevate them in the society by providing them extra monetary help along with added benefits for their recycling services.

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# Up-fuse:

Up-Fuse is another upcycling startup based in Cairo which uses the waste material and turns them into lifestyle products, especially bags. The founders Yara Yassin and Rania K. Rafie came up with this idea on their visit to Berlin where they charge for a plastic bag. This start-up aims to support the local talent, and create a range of lifestyle products which are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Image Source: https://goo.gl/hwc6Ky

The time is ticking, and it is essential to put things into perspective. Sustainability is not a topic to discuss in books or papers but performed through small yet meaningful actions. These five start-ups are trying to achieve what books preach, what they don't and the world needs more such ideas and institutions to move forward in the area of waste remodelling.

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