The plastic waste crisis is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.
According to the World Health Organization, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with only about 10% being recycled.
In 2018, 18 West African nations generated 6.9 million tons of plastic waste, and Nigeria alone contributed 4.7 million tons annually. With about 20% of this waste produced within 30 km of the coast, much of it ends up polluting our oceans.
The cost of marine plastic pollution is immense. The World Bank estimates the economic damage caused by marine plastic pollution in West Africa ranges between $10,000 to $33,000 per ton.
This environmental and financial burden hits critical sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, property values, and biodiversity, underscoring the urgent need for effective plastic waste solutions.
The Impact of Plastic Waste on Health and the Environment
Plastic pollution doesn’t just harm ecosystems; it also poses serious health risks.
Common plastic products often contain harmful chemicals that are ingested by humans.
When plastic waste is burned during disposal, toxic chemicals are released into the air, contaminating water and soil and affecting all who come in contact with it.
Improper disposal practices further exacerbate the problem.
For example, plastics like water bottles are broken down by ocean waves and sunlight into microplastics.
These microplastics infiltrate food, water, and even the air we breathe, causing significant health issues, including cancers, respiratory diseases, and developmental disorders.
Microplastics also carry pathogens, increasing the spread of diseases.
Despite efforts by African governments to implement recycling policies, issues like corruption, inadequate funding, public unawareness, and limited resources hinder sustainable waste management.
With waste collection seen as a high-risk investment, attracting attention and capital remains a challenge.
Trashcoin: A Digital Solution to Plastic Waste
Imagine this: Sandra, a Nigerian resident, accumulates numerous plastic water bottles daily and struggles with how to dispose of them responsibly.
A friend tells her about Trashcoin, a platform that allows her to turn recyclable waste directly into credit in her digital wallet.
She hands over her plastic, scans a QR code, and instantly receives money.
The plastic is then collected, and her contribution to a cleaner environment is rewarded.
Trashcoin is revolutionizing waste management by digitizing the recycling process.
Using modern internet technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Trashcoin makes recycling accessible and rewarding, helping to reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change impacts.
Our platform allows customers to deposit recyclable waste for credit, which can be withdrawn as cash or used to pay for essentials like electricity, health insurance, educational fees, mobile data, and more.
Additionally, with a startup investment as low as 10,000 Naira ($25), individuals can become collectors, earn a monthly profit, and contribute to our recycling chain.
Our Goal: By 2025, Trashcoin aims to recycle 20,000 tons of waste, establish savings wallets for over 2 million people (especially marginalized women), and create jobs for more than 153,000 individuals across 15 cities in Nigeria and West Africa.
Our Mission and Vision
Trashcoin’s mission is to tackle plastic pollution, reduce CO2 emissions, and contribute to a sustainable planet. Our goal is to save over 750 tons of CO2 emissions per month, creating a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.
Key Achievements to Date
- Completed Web & Mobile App with over 4,000 active users
- Onboarded 144 Recycling Stations and processed over 548,000 kg of waste
- Generated $219,800 in revenue since August 2022 and received $37,000 in grants
- Participated in 2 incubation programs and 1 accelerator program
The Scaleup Landing Pad initiative offers essential support to Trashcoin, providing tailored mentorship and a network of professionals to help us scale our eco-fintech business and enhance our impact on Africa’s waste management landscape.
How It Works
Once plastic waste is collected by our agents, it undergoes sorting and preparation for recycling. Proper handling reduces contamination and enhances the recycling process.
Through our digital rewards system, participants earn Trashcoin tokens that can be exchanged for goods and services, turning recycling into an opportunity for financial gain.
What Sets Trashcoin Apart
- Transparent Waste Marketplace: We ensure secure transactions between waste generators and recyclers.
- Secure Payments: Our escrow system guarantees payments are made only after both parties fulfill their obligations.
- Data-Driven Insights: The Trashcoin app offers users detailed analytics on their recycling practices.
- Community Engagement: Through social media campaigns, we raise awareness about sustainable waste disposal practices.
- Job Creation: Our model creates jobs in waste collection, sorting, and processing, positively impacting local economies.
- Corporate Responsibility: We help companies offset their plastic footprint and comply with environmental regulations.
Financial Benefits
While contributing to a cleaner planet, Trashcoin users can also use earnings to pay for:
- Electricity bills
- Internet data
- Cable TV
- Mobile airtime
- Health insurance
- Education fees
Collectors can also earn up to 100,000 Naira monthly by gathering and delivering plastic waste to recyclers, incentivized by our reward system.
A Community-Centric Approach to Recycling
Trashcoin makes recycling a collaborative effort. Our platform connects individuals, businesses, and communities, fostering a transparent and traceable recycling ecosystem.
By turning waste into value, Trashcoin empowers everyone to contribute to environmental conservation while gaining financial rewards.
Join Us in Building a Cleaner Africa
Plastic recycling isn’t just about responsibility; it’s a chance to create a sustainable world. Join us in transforming plastic waste solutions in Africa. Learn more about how you can help by downloading the Trashcoin app today!