TrashCash

TrashCash is a mobile app & SMS platform that is monetizing separated trash from individuals and monitoring the collection process.

Waste is a growing environmental issue in Ghana, where there are no established waste collection and separation practices. In communities, trash is dealt with by burning it in giant mounds. In urban centres, trash remains lined along every street and is quickly growing to epidemic proportions. Close to a third of all this trash is generated from plastic water sachets, as tap water is not drinkable in Ghana. There have been a number of solutions by both municipal authorities and entrepreneurs which range from separation of waste at landfill site (which was shut-down recently), slapping fines on offenders and making bags out of trash. However, majority of the waste is generated at home. At TrashCash, we believe that a solution should be implemented that trains individuals to separate recyclable items and present them for recycling. TrashCash seeks to deal with this issue by implementing a mobile recycling app and SMS platform to monetize wastes. Not only will TrashCash clear streets of trash, but it also has the power to improve sanitation, reduce carbon emissions, and empower a generation to recycle. TrashCash will allow sorting and recycling of plastics, paper and cans to be accomplished by consumers in their homes, ensuring that it is easy and rewarding. One simply signs up for the app or SMS code, separates their trash in home and takes it to a collection point where they receive money based on how much they bring. We are establishing collection points at community grocery shops, provision shops, and major transit points in cities. The shop owners will be trained on how to inspect and weigh sorted recyclables after which they would credit it to the account of the user through the app or SMS. After a user earns over GH¢30 in their account, it can be withdrawn at a bank or any of the numerous mobile money merchants across the country. Seeking partners and investors.