When discussing the plastic waste pollution issue, the focus is often on technology and end products as solutions. However, one aspect that is frequently overlooked is the human resource element of the problem.

In many parts of Asia, informal workers from marginalized communities commonly process plastic waste. These workers contribute to over 95 per cent of the recycled plastic materials used, with a significant number of them being women. These workers face various challenges, including safety issues and inadequate earnings.

How can startups contribute to addressing this problem?

Laura Benns, Director of Programs at SecondMuse, highlights the unique value that startups can offer to informal waste workers that other institutions may not provide.

She emphasizes that waste management ecosystems are complex, especially in Asia, where they are primarily operated by marginalized members of society. Innovative business models focused on waste management ecosystems have the potential to benefit these workers in new ways.

Startups with business models involving the informal sector can enhance social and economic protections for informal waste communities. In addition to providing support such as training on health and safety and financial literacy, startups can also help by introducing branded personal protective equipment (PPE) to increase legitimization and reduce discrimination and harassment. This can provide better access to valuable types of plastic waste. Access to data through tech-based solutions can also empower the informal sector to improve working conditions.

Benns explains how digital solutions supported by projects like The Incubation Network, an initiative by SecondMuse and The Circulate Initiative, offer platforms for informal waste workers to organize, discuss opportunities, and enhance their digital skills.

For example, AMBILIN, a recyclable materials marketplace app developed by the Bina Katara Lestari (BINTARI) Foundation in Semarang, Indonesia, has successfully connected informal waste pickers to increase service coverage and competitiveness, fostering a community to sort and collect more recyclable materials.

To support these startups, mentorship, technical assistance, and market linkages are essential for their success. The Incubation Network program has connected startups with industry experts, mentors, and corporates across the plastic waste supply chain to further their solutions.

In Southeast Asia, several startups are working with informal plastic waste workers to address the plastic pollution issue and improve workers’ livelihoods.

For example, Plustik, based in Indonesia, creates construction materials from plastic waste collected from landfills, focusing on difficult-to-recycle low-value plastics. Thailand-based Trash Lucky has developed a smart-bin infrastructure to connect post-consumer recyclables with independent waste collectors, providing incentives for consumers to recycle.

By engaging directly with informal waste workers, startups like Plustik and Trash Lucky are making a positive impact by offering training, steady incomes, and better working conditions. These initiatives help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste while supporting marginalized workers.

The startups who are working on it

In Southeast Asia, there are several startups that are working with informal plastic waste workers to help tackle the plastic pollution problem–and improve the workers’ livelihood.

One of them is Indonesia-based Plustik, a startup that uses plastic waste from landfills to create construction materials. The company focuses on difficult-to-recycle plastics to prevent redirecting waste to landfills.

Another startup is Thailand-based Trash Lucky, which has designed a smart-bin infrastructure to connect recyclables with waste collectors. Consumers earn rewards for recycling, and the smart bins alert collectors to collect deposited recyclables, streamlining the recycling process.

Echoing Atichartakarn, Hasfinanda stresses the importance of co-creation and collaboration in reaching out to grassroots communities. He dubs it as the “most effective way” to work with them.

“Encourage the community to be involved in the development process and to have a say in what they would like to see. Doing so ensures that the outcome is something that is beneficial for both the community and your startup,” he points out.

“It’s also important to be respectful of differences in working culture and to avoid making assumptions about the communities you are working with. Be open-minded and flexible, and be willing to adapt your approach to meet the unique needs of each community,” he closes.

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The article was first published on February 17, 2023.

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Image Credit: The Incubation Network

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