The KOLEKT waste management app, developed by BVRio, has recently surpassed an impressive 10 million kgs of waste traded. Notably, 80% of this volume consists of plastic, underscoring the thriving market for plastic recycling. This innovative, free app serves as a vital platform for informal waste pickers to connect and conduct trades with waste generators and buyers, including recycling centers, particularly in sectors like food and drink packaging.
Since its launch in January 2022, KOLEKT has facilitated over 40,000 transactions and gathered a user base exceeding 8,500 across 48 countries. A significant portion of its user community comprises waste pickers from Mozambique and Brazil, primarily due to several successful pilot projects in these regions. Recent data reveals that approximately 60% of users are female, highlighting the app’s inclusivity and impact.
“The really staggering fact is that of the 7000 informal waste pickers registered on and earning through the app, 80% have no phone at all. We designed it this way, so that no one is left behind, but even we are blown away by how widespread its use has become with informal waste pickers, thanks to the efforts of our partners in Mozambique and Brazil. This may be the first time that some of these people have ever received fair pay for their efforts.” Thierry Sanders, KOLEKT CEO.
The remaining 1,000 users consist of other key players in the waste supply chain, including eco point drop-off operators, aggregators, and recyclers, all utilizing the app to engage in transactions with waste pickers. This collaborative ecosystem promotes efficient resource management in food and drink sustainable packaging.
Beyond Brazil and Mozambique, the app is gaining traction in Vietnam, where schools, among others, are employing KOLEKT to exchange their recyclables with local recyclers, thus strengthening community engagement.
In Brazil, KOLEKT is being leveraged by fishers in Guanabara Bay, who are funded to devote two days weekly to ‘fishing for litter’ instead of traditional fishing. This initiative not only aids the environment but also diversifies their income streams.
“Kolekt has made a real difference in how we work, helping us earn some extra income, especially with fishing being so tough these days. I’m really thankful for how easy the app is to use.” – Fisher, Jussiara Monteiro.
Recent updates to KOLEKT include:
- New subcategories of materials added, such as Glass (Returnable bottles, Bottles & low-value glass), Foam (Shoes & sneakers), Textiles, and Plastic (Composites).
- Enhanced facial recognition features.
- Access to new gender demographic information for business users.
- Offline functionality allowing transaction synchronization upon reconnecting.
- Automated market price checks to minimize errors.
- New training guides available to enhance user experience.
