Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola and colleagues
Wecyclers
The initiative started as an assignment in an MBA course. The founders spotted a gap in the market for affordable collection of recyclable waste in low income communities. They believed they could create a viable business to meet this need, using bicycles and other small vehicles to access difficult side streets and alleyways that are too narrow or steep for collection trucks.
Wecyclers incentivises the collection of recyclable waste in low-income communities by paying for recyclables. Subscribers receive points per kilogram of recyclable waste collected, which they can spend on essential goods. In areas that large vehicles struggle to navigate due to narrow roads and other obstructions, waste is collected using cargobikes called “wecycles”. Motorized tricycles, vans and trucks are also used. As of October 2015, 525 tons of waste had been removed from the streets and over 6,500 households were using the service.
Underserviced areas are provided with waste removal services, which helps to keep them clean. Wecyclers supplements the incomes of the poor by providing an easy way for them to earn money from recyclables. Their franchise model allows for additional jobs to be created, and the franchisees receive support in the form of education, business planning and management.
Recycling helps to reduce landfilling, and this is good for the environment. Waste collection, especially in areas where services are not provided, prevents illegal dumping and littering.
As of October 2015, over 6,500 households were using the service and 525 tons of waste had been removed from the streets.
