W~Track app

The specific problem we seek to solve is inefficient organic waste management, which leads to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and excessive use of landfills.  In many communities around the world, organic waste is poorly managed, contributing to deteriorating air, water and soil quality.

 According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), around a third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted each year, representing around 1.3 billion tonnes of  food waste.  This amount of organic waste not only contributes to climate change by emitting methane when it decomposes in landfills, but also represents a significant loss of valuable resources.

 Our solution aims to transform this organic waste into useful resources, such as biogas for the production of renewable energy, organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility, and ecological embers to replace fossil fuels.  By integrating a digital approach to facilitate the collection and processing of organic waste, our solution helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote environmental sustainability and create a more efficient circular economy.

The WASTE~TRACK project is based on a digital waste tracking and traceability system, making it possible to optimize collection routes, monitor the progress of collection trucks in real time and guarantee efficient waste management.  Thanks to a user-friendly mobile application, residents of Goma will be able to easily report waste collection points, which will facilitate the organization of collection rounds and contribute to better cleanliness in the city.

 Households are made aware through the WASTE~STRACK APP about sorting at source in order to maximize recycling and put an end to the ordeal of sorting which promotes the non-recovery of organic waste given that it arrives at the points  collection items are already degraded, which complicates sorting.

 But households respecting these instructions will be listed on the platform and will have rewards such as a reduction on their collection costs for the following month, or winning one of our recycled products, and all this for the points earned.
 WASTE~TRACK is an integrated and innovative solution that aims to transform the challenges linked to waste management into sustainable opportunities for the city of Goma, by promoting the transition towards a circular and environmentally friendly economy.

Our WASTE~TRACK solution is mainly aimed at the population of the city of Goma who faces major challenges in waste management.  Currently, a large part of the waste produced in the city is poorly managed (90% or 9000 tonnes of waste produced per month), which leads to environmental problems such as soil, air and water pollution.  In addition, the growing quantity of untreated waste contributes to the spread of diseases, an increase in visual and olfactory nuisances, and a general deterioration in the quality of life of residents.

 The urban populations of Goma are often poorly served in terms of waste collection and treatment.  Waste management infrastructure is insufficient, collection services are often irregular and inefficient, and waste recycling is poorly developed.  This creates a burden for residents who often have to burn or bury their waste, contributing to environmental and health problems.

 Our WASTE~TRACK solution aims to directly improve the lives of residents by offering a holistic and sustainable approach to waste management.  By transforming organic waste into protein feed for animal feed, we offer an innovative solution to recover this waste and reduce its impact on the environment.  Additionally, by implementing a digital waste tracking system, we are improving collection and recycling efficiency, which will reduce waste sent to landfill and encourage sorting at source.

 This approach will have a positive impact on the lives of Goma residents in several ways.  Firstly, it will help improve the cleanliness and aesthetics of the city by reducing the amount of untreated waste thrown into the streets and waterways.  Then, it will promote better public health by reducing the risks of spreading diseases linked to poor waste management.  In addition, by producing biogas and ecological embers from organic waste, our solution will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of renewable energy sources.

• As the founding team of WASTE~TRACK, we have extensive experience in the field of environment, sustainable development and technological innovation, as well as real proximity to the communities of Goma.  Our team consists of members who have worked on various environmental and social projects in the DRC, with a focus on waste management, environmental preservation and capacity building of local communities.
• We consider ourselves well placed to provide this solution as we have worked closely with the people of Goma to understand their needs, concerns and suggestions regarding waste management.  We carried out field surveys, awareness-raising workshops and community consultations to gather information from local stakeholders, including residents, local authorities, NGOs and businesses.
• As a team leader, I am originally from Goma and have strong ties with the local community.  I understand the social, environmental and economic issues that residents face on a daily basis and I am determined to find sustainable and inclusive solutions to resolve them.  Additionally, our team is made up of diverse members, representing a range of skills and experiences, which allows us to approach challenges in a holistic and inclusive manner.
•  The design and implementation of our solution is guided by the contributions, ideas and agendas of the communities of Goma.  We engaged residents every step of the way, consulting with them on their needs, incorporating their feedback into the design of our solution, and working with them to implement pilot initiatives and pilot projects.

As a project in the pilot phase, we have accomplished several important milestones in the development of our solution.  Here's what we've achieved so far:

 1. Prototype design: We developed an initial version of our solution for waste management in Goma, integrating the key functionalities identified during the design phase.

 2. Setting up a modular biodigester: We set up a biodigester to test the production of biogas and digestate from organic waste.

 3. Production of ecological embers: We produced 200kg of ecological embers from organic waste, to test the products on the market.

 4. Production of plastic pavers: We produced more than 500 pavers to test their durability and customer appreciation.

 5. Collection of user feedback: We organized meetings with residents (100 households), waste collection companies (10) and local authorities to collect their feedback, concerns and suggestions on our solution.  This feedback was taken into account to improve and adjust our prototype.

We are applying to Solve because we believe that SOLVE can help us overcome some obstacles we encounter in the development and implementation of our solution for waste management in Goma.  Here are the main challenges we face and how Solve could help us overcome them:

1. Financial obstacles: We need financial resources to continue the development of our project, in particular to improve our prototype, expand our impact, ensure long-term viability and make our solution available to the community.  Solve could help us by facilitating access to financing or partnerships with investors or donors.
2. Technical barriers: We need additional technical expertise to refine our solution, resolve specific technical issues, and implement new features.  Solve can connect us with qualified experts and consultants who could provide us with technical support and expertise.
3. Legal Barriers: We may encounter challenges related to local regulations or legal issues when implementing our solution.  Solve could connect us with legal experts to help us navigate and comply with the requirements and laws in force in Goma.
4. Cultural obstacles: Our solution could face cultural or social obstacles specific to the Goma region.  Solve could help us by facilitating dialogue and collaboration with local communities, identifying residents' needs and expectations and adapting our approach accordingly.

1.   Cutting-edge technology: We have developed a mobile application that allows residents of Goma to easily and quickly report waste-related problems in their neighborhood.  This cutting-edge technology enables real-time data collection, which improves the efficiency and responsiveness of our solution.
2.  Participatory approach: Our solution emphasizes community engagement by directly involving residents in waste management.  By encouraging them to report problems, participate in clean-ups and be agents of change, we foster a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community.
3. Environmental Sustainability: We place a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability by implementing waste recycling and composting practices.  We also seek to raise awareness and educate the population on the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste to reduce its impact on the environment.
4.  Our innovative solution has the potential to catalyze wider positive impacts by inspiring others in the waste management sector to adopt similar approaches focused on technology, community participation and environmental sustainability.  By encouraging collaboration and sharing of experiences between different stakeholders, our solution could drive innovation and progress in the field of waste management in Goma and beyond.    Ultimately, our solution could change the waste management landscape by providing an innovative and integrated approach that not only solves the immediate waste problem in Goma, but also creates lasting change in awareness, engagement  community and environmental sustainability.

Our solution for waste management in Goma is based on a solid theory of change that explains how and why we expect it to have a significant impact on the problem.  Here is a simple overview of our theory of change:

1.  Key activity :Development of a mobile application to report waste problems.       - Immediate results: Increase in the number of reports, improvement in real-time data collection. 
2. Key activity: Community engagement through awareness and clean-up actions.                                  - Immediate results: Increased participation of residents, strengthening of the feeling of responsibility and ownership.
3. Key activity: Implementation of waste recycling and composting practices.                               - Longer-term results: Reduction in the quantity of untreated waste, promotion of a sustainable approach to waste management.

 In view of these activities with expected results, our solution aims to have a significant impact on the waste problem in Goma in the following way:

1. Reduction in the amount of untreated waste in city districts.
2.  Increased awareness of the importance of waste and environmental management
3. Strengthening collaboration and engagement within the community to combat the waste problems
4.  Promotion of a sustainable approach to waste management for long-term impact.               We conducted in-depth market studies (100 households surveyed, 95 expressed positive interest in our solution, i.e. a satisfaction rate of 95%), interviews with stakeholders (10 waste management companies) and evaluations of impact to validate our theory of change and guarantee its effectiveness.

The impact objectives of our WASTE TRACK solution are as follows:

1.   Reduce the amount of untreated and uncollected waste in the city of Goma by increasing the waste collection rate efficiently and regularly.
2.  Promote the recycling of organic waste to reduce pollution and promote a circular and sustainable economic 
   
3. Raise public awareness of the importance of sorting at source to encourage more responsible waste management practices
4.  Contribute to the production of green energy from biodegradable organic waste to reduce the city's carbon footprint.

 To measure our progress towards achieving these impact goals, we use the following indicators:

1.   Waste collection rate: We measure the percentage of waste collected in relation to the total amount of waste generated in the city.
2.  Organic waste recycling rate: We track the amount of organic waste recycled through our innovative technology and evaluate its impact on waste reduction.
   
3. Source sorting participation rate: We monitor the number of households or businesses that adopt source sorting and assess its progress over time.
4.  Green energy production: We measure the quantity of biogas, digestate and ecological embers produced from organic waste and evaluate their contribution to the production of renewable energy.                           Using these indicators, we can evaluate the effectiveness of our WASTE TRACK solution and adjust our actions to maximize our impact on waste management in Goma.

Our solution for waste management in Goma is based on modern technology which includes several key components:

1.   Mobile application: We plan to develop a user-friendly mobile application that allows residents to report waste problems in their neighborhood in real time.  This app facilitates data collection and communication between residents, local authorities and our waste management team.
2.  Web Platform: We plan to implement an interactive web platform that allows users to view waste reports, track cleanup progress, and access waste management resources and information.
3. GPS Tracking Technology: We will use GPS devices to track the movements of waste collection trucks in real time, ensuring efficient route planning and rapid response to reports.
4. Recycling and composting systems: We plan to implement waste recycling and composting technologies to sustainably process collected waste and reduce environmental impact.  
5.  Alert system: the community is made aware of good waste management practices via messages scheduled according to a defined area and on a defined theme. Going from the collection cycle to recycling, and through these modern technologies, our solution aims to improve the efficiency of waste management in Goma, encourage community participation and promote sustainable practices.  By leveraging technological innovation, we seek to solve the waste problem in an efficient, scalable and accessible way for all city residents. 

Currently, our WASTE TRACK solutions team consists of:

1.  Full-time staff: 5 people
2.  Part-time staff: 2 people
3. Other casual workers: 3 people                                          In total, our team has 10 members who work together to develop, implement and improve our waste management solution in Goma.  Each member brings different skills and expertise to contribute to the success of our project.

We have been working on our project for over a year (one year and 5 months).

At WASTE~TRACK, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to creating an innovative, creative and high-performing team.  We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment for all our team members, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or socioeconomic status.

1.  Diversity of our team leader  Our leadership team is made up of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  Our project manager is a man from Goma, our environmental engineer is a woman from the neighboring town of BUTEMBO, and our communications specialist is a woman from the Rutshuru territory.
2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Goals                                         We are constantly striving to improve diversity, equity and inclusion within our team.  Our goals include:

•  Increase the number of women and people from underrepresented groups in our leadership team and staff
•  Create professional development and leadership opportunities for all team members.
• Raise awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion issues and promote open dialogue
•  Establish partnerships with organizations that support diversity and inclusion
• Actions to achieve our objectives

 We have taken several steps to achieve our diversity, equity and inclusion goals, including:

•   Drafting a statement of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
•  Implementation of a fair and inclusive recruitment process
• Provide diversity and inclusion training to all team members
•  Creation of a resource group for employees from underrepresented groups
• Partnership with local organizations that support women and young entrepreneurs .      We believe our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion allows us to create a better team and a more effective project.  We are determined to continue our efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive work environment for all.

WASTE~TRACK economic model

  ■ Value provided to the populations served

  A.Impact :

1.   Improved waste management: WASTE~TRACK improves the collection, sorting and treatment of waste, thereby reducing environmental pollution and public health risks.
2. Promotion of sustainability: The project promotes sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and energy recovery, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
3. Job and Income Creation: WASTE~TRACK creates job and income opportunities in the waste management sector, stimulating local economic growth.

  B.Revenue

1.   Waste Collection and Treatment Services: WASTE~TRACK charges a fee to households and businesses for waste collection and treatment services.
2. Sale of protein feed for animal feed: Black soldier fly larvae raised under the project are sold as protein feed for animal feed, generating additional income.
3. Sale of renewable energy: Biogas produced by biogas plants is sold to businesses and individuals, generating revenue for the project.
4. Sale of ecological embers: Ecological embers produced from non-recyclable organic waste are sold as an alternative domestic fuel, generating additional income.
5. Promotes organic fertilizer: useful resource for soil fertilization - Sale of plastic paving stones and fuel produced from plastic wastes.

  ■ Main clients and beneficiaries.

  C.Clients :

•    Households and businesses in Goma
•  Breeders and feed producers
• Businesses and individuals seeking to obtain renewable energy

  **Beneficiaries:**

  * Inhabitants of Goma
  * The environment
  * The local economy

  Our business model allows us to provide essential waste management services while generating revenue to support our operations and growth.  We believe that this sustainable model will allow us to create a long-term positive impact on the Goma community.

Financial sustainability plan

   Our plan to become financially sustainable relies on a combination of income streams, including:

1.     Waste collection and treatment services: We will charge households and businesses a fee for waste collection and treatment services.  These fees will be based on the volume and type of waste collected.
2.   Sale of protein feed for animal feed: Black soldier fly larvae reared under the project will be sold as protein feed for animal feed.  We have already established partnerships with breeders and feed producers to secure a market for our products.
3. Sale of renewable energy: Biogas produced by the biogas plants will be sold to businesses and individuals.  We conducted a feasibility study and identified a potential market for our renewable energy.
4. Sale of ecological embers: Ecological embers produced from non-recyclable organic waste will be sold as an alternative domestic fuel.  We conducted a household survey and found high demand for this product.  Sale of plastic paving stones and fuel.

   Evidence of success:

1.    We are already planning to obtain initial funding from a start-up grant from the SUKA NA BOULE national competition based in DRCONGO where we are winners.  This funding will allow us to launch the project and demonstrate the viability of our economic model.
2.  We have also partnered with local businesses who have expressed interest in purchasing our products and services.  These partnerships will provide us with a stable revenue stream as we expand our operations.

   Coverage of expected expenses

   Our financial projections indicate that our expected revenue streams will cover our operating expenses and generate a long-term profit.  We expect to break even within three years of launching full-scale operations.

   We are confident that our strong business model and commitment to sustainability will enable us to become financially viable and provide essential waste management services to the Goma community.