Smash.id : Preventing Environmental Disaster By Digitizing Waste Management Practices

Climate change is a global challenge that requires active participation from all parties, including the community, to reduce its negative impacts. Community awareness of Waste Bank management is important in the context of addressing environmental issues and climate change for maintaining environmental sustainability and mitigating climate change. Waste Bank lies in their role in reducing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and encouraging sustainable living attitudes. Through active participation in waste collection, sorting, and recycling, communities can directly contribute to reducing carbon emissions and maintaining ecosystem balance. Based on data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), in 2022 there were 35.83 million tons of waste volume with 22.44 million tons (62.63%) managed and 13.39 million tons (37.37%) unmanaged (KLHK, 2022) and an increase since 2019. This proves that there is a problem that occurs in the management of waste in Indonesia which results in an increase in the volume of waste every year. Waste Bank is considered the right solution in solving the problem of waste mismanagement faced by local governments in developing countries (Raharjo et.al., 2017).

Waste management activities at the Waste Bank can be carried out efficiently and effectively through the application of information technology in the form of an Online Waste Management System (Smash.id) that integrates three main stakeholders in waste management, namely [1] the Waste Bank, [2] the community (Waste Bank customers) and [3] the government (KLHK, DLH, BLH). The three stakeholders access Smash through web-based and mobile applications. 

Therefore, the target users of Smash are [1] Waste Banks throughout Indonesia through the BankSampah.id application, [2] people who are actively involved in waste sorting (Waste Bank customers) through the mySmash application and [3] the government who needs waste management data as a basis for policy considerations through the e-Smash application. 

Smash.id targets diverse users with tailored solutions.
BankSampah.id supports Waste Banks nationwide (18,109 waste banks in Indonesia), aiding operations and generating AI-based waste segregation data.
mySmash caters to individuals by providing info on nearby Waste Banks, offering waste education, and facilitating e-wallet transactions.
The e-Smash Smart City Dashboard empowers local governments in efficient waste management monitoring.
Our Smart Drop-Box engages consumers by detecting recycled products, incentivizing eco-friendly choices.

Our multifaceted approach focuses on Waste Banks, households, governments, and eco-conscious consumers. These users are vulnerable to traditional waste management inefficiencies, and our solution meets their needs by enhancing efficiency, providing education, and creating incentives for sustainable waste practices. Geographically, we concentrate on Indonesia.

Smash.id is applying to the 2024 Global Climate Challenge because it aligns perfectly with our mission to address environmental crises through innovative digital solutions. Our objectives, emphasizing the use of mobile and digital technology to tackle humanitarian challenges, perfectly resonate with our approach to digitizing waste management in Indonesia. This program can specifically help us overcome financial barriers in executing key initiatives, such as providing tablets to Waste Banks and scaling our infrastructure. Furthermore, our team has been completed many objectives since 2015 that align with climate change by using technology.

Smash's core development has reached an advanced stage, with significant traction and impact. BankSampah.id has successfully registered 4,996 Waste Banks across 319 cities/regions in Indonesia, with 575 actively operating. Engaging 57,369 Waste Bank customers, our platform has facilitated 267,125 transactions, recording 2,188 tones of waste. This translates to a circular economy value of IDR 5 Billion (~USD 312k). Additionally, 79 Smart Drop Boxes have been sold to six clients, recording 5,491 transactions. Suprisingly, e-Smash is also used as paid service by local government of Nunukan Region, a remote area in Borneo island.

The solution has undergone thorough testing and is actively contributing to waste management efficiency. The widespread adoption by Waste Banks and households reflects the positive response to our platform. The recorded transactions and circular economy value demonstrate tangible success, indicating the scalability and effectiveness of our approach. This solid foundation positions Smash as a transformative force in digitizing waste management practices, with considerable business traction and user engagement.

We seek Solve's support to advance our transformative project in digitizing waste management in Indonesia. The proposed project encompasses several key initiatives during the grant period:

1. Tablet Provision for Waste Banks: Equip Waste Banks with tablets to seamlessly record daily transactions into the BankSampah.id mobile app. This will streamline data entry processes and enhance the efficiency of waste management practices.

2. Infrastructure Strengthening: Scale up the Smash.id infrastructure, including servers, to accommodate a larger user base. This expansion is critical for handling the increasing number of Waste Banks, households, and local governments actively engaged in our platform.

3. Marketing Enhancement through CRM: Implement a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, utilizing WhatsApp paid services, to improve our marketing efforts. This will enable more effective communication with Waste Banks, households, and potential users, fostering greater adoption and awareness.

4. Exploration of Advanced Technologies: Investigate the potential of cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and Augmented Reality Games (ARG) to address waste management challenges. This exploration aligns with our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and finding novel solutions to environmental issues.

The grant will catalyze these high-impact activities, propelling Smash.id to new heights in revolutionizing waste management practices and promoting a sustainable circular economy.

Our innovative solution in several key ways:

1. Digital Integration for Waste Banks: BankSampah.id digitally transforms Waste Banks, providing tablets for streamlined operations and AI-based waste segregation. This ensures efficient data management, promoting a circular economy.

2. Consumer Engagement through mySmash: our user-friendly mobile app, connects households to nearby Waste Banks, fostering engagement and education. It goes beyond traditional waste management, integrating e-wallet transactions for a holistic approach.

3. Government Empowerment via e-Smash: The e-Smash Smart City Dashboard empowers local governments with data-driven insights for effective waste management. It enhances decision-making processes, promoting sustainability at the governmental level.

4. Incentivizing Recycling: The deployment of Smart Drop-Boxes, equipped with sensors, incentivizes consumers to recycle. This unique approach encourages environmental responsibility and active participation.

5. Financial Inclusion through Smash-Pay: Smash-Pay, our e-wallet, facilitates digital transactions with a modest 1.81% transaction fee, promoting financial inclusion while supporting sustainable practices.

Compared to competitors, Smash.id provides an end-to-end digital solution, bridging the gap between Waste Banks, households, local governments, and consumers. Our emphasis on data-driven decision-making, user engagement, and financial inclusivity sets us apart, contributing to a holistic and innovative approach in addressing Indonesia's waste management challenges.

Our program addresses environmental crisis in Indonesia by revolutionizing waste management practices. We focuses on digitizing Waste Banks and connecting households through mobile technology, fostering a Circular Economy that transforms waste into digital currency. By that, we create a tangible impact on the environment. The value advantages of this program are:

1. Increasing waste segregation and recycling practices among households in Indonesia.

2. Mitigating the environmental crisis in Indonesia

3. Smash.id positively impacts women by empowering those involved in Waste Banks, where many are operated by women.

By this program, we hope that will increase 1 Mio Kg waste collected reported by Waste Banks and households through our platforms, 10 Local Government adopted the  e-Smash Smart City Dashboard, and 50,000 transaction of waste segregation recorded on Waste Banks.

Success for Smash.id is mitigating the environmental crisis in Indonesia. Key metrics include: 1) A 20% increase in waste segregation reported by Waste Banks and households through our platforms, indicating improved waste management practices. 2) Adoption of the e-Smash Smart City Dashboard by 10 local governments, demonstrating enhanced monitoring and decision-making capabilities. 3) Installation of 100 Smart Drop-Boxes, with a 30% increase in recycled products, showcasing increased consumer engagement in sustainable practices. Success will be assessed through quantitative data on waste segregation rates, the number of local governments using the dashboard, and the volume of recycled products reported by Smart Drop-Boxes. Qualitative feedback from users and stakeholders will also gauge the overall positive impact on environmental sustainability.

Core technology we used are mobile and digital technologies such as AI, that integral to Smash.id's solution. BankSampah.id, a web and mobile application, connects Waste Banks, allowing them to record daily transactions through provided tablets. This digitization streamlines operations, enhancing the efficiency of waste management. mySmash, a mobile app, informs users about nearby Waste Banks, provides waste education, and facilitates e-wallet transactions. The e-Smash Smart City Dashboard enables local governments to monitor and optimize waste management digitally. Additionally, Smart Drop-Boxes, equipped with sensors, use mobile technology to detect recycled products, incentivizing eco-friendly choices. These technologies collectively empower individuals, Waste Banks, and governments to actively participate in sustainable waste management, fostering a circular economy in Indonesia.

Full-time Staff : 4 Staff

Since 2015 until now (9 years)

Smash.id serves Waste Banks, households, local governments, and eco-conscious consumers in Indonesia. Our primary products and services include:

1. BankSampah.id: A web and mobile application supporting Waste Banks in their operational activities and generating AI-based waste segregation data.

2. mySmash: A mobile app connecting individuals to nearby Waste Banks, providing waste education, and facilitating e-wallet transactions.

3. e-Smash (B2G) : A Smart City Dashboard platform for local governments to monitor and optimize waste management efficiently.

4. Smart Drop-Box (B2B) : Customized Reverse Vending Machines incentivizing consumers to recycle, with a unit cost of IDR 20 million (~USD 1,300).

5. Smash-Pay (B2C) : An e-wallet with a 1.81% transaction fee, streamlining digital transactions for waste management.

Our revenue model includes a transaction fee for e-wallet usage, unit sales of Smart Drop-Boxes, and a subscription-based fee for the e-Smash, priced at IDR 4 million per month per local government (~USD 250). The diversified revenue streams ensure financial sustainability while providing essential services. Customers are attracted by the efficiency, incentives, and positive environmental impact our solutions bring to waste management, creating a circular economy and fostering sustainability in Indonesia.

Smash.id envisions financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams:

1. Transaction Fees and Product Sales: We generate revenue through Smash-Pay, our e-wallet, by implementing a 1.81% transaction fee for digital transactions. Additionally, sales of Smart Drop-Boxes contribute to our income, with each unit priced at IDR 20 million (~USD 1,300).

2. Subscription-Based Model: The e-Smash Smart City Dashboard is offered to local governments through a subscription-based model, priced at IDR 4 million per month per local government (~USD 250). This ensures a steady income stream while providing essential waste management services.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Forge strategic partnerships with Waste Banks and local governments, fostering collaboration and generating revenue through the adoption and use of our digital platforms.

4. Continuous SEO and Marketing Efforts: Leveraging our established SEO presence and continuous digital marketing efforts will drive user engagement, attracting more users to our platforms, and indirectly supporting financial sustainability.

By combining these revenue streams and maintaining a balance between sustainable pricing and broad accessibility, Smash.id aims to achieve long-term financial sustainability. This approach ensures that our innovative waste management solutions remain viable, scalable, and effective beyond the grant period, contributing to a sustainable and circular economy in Indonesia.