Incentivized Waste Sorting and Recycling Platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kenneth Boateng

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

7

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

We will create a blockchain-based platform that rewards households with cryptocurrency for sorting waste, providing transparency, reducing landfill waste, and promoting environmental responsibility

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Our project depends on partnering with a reliable recycling company to ensure that the pre-sorted waste collected through our platform is processed efficiently. This partnership is essential because it provides a clear pathway for the sorted materials to be recycled, reinforcing the incentives for participants and ensuring the system's sustainability. Without this, the collected materials would not be handled properly, undermining the project’s goal of reducing landfill waste and environmental pollution.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

While we value transparency and collaboration, our project will not be fully open source to protect certain proprietary elements such as the blockchain reward algorithms and the web app infrastructure. These elements are critical to maintaining the integrity of our incentive system and ensuring that the platform remains secure, stable, and free from potential misuse. However, we are open to sharing insights and key findings with the Cardano community to foster learning and collaboration in non-proprietary aspects of the project

[METADATA] Horizons

Environment

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We perceive the problem of improper waste disposal in Ghana as a multifaceted issue rooted in lack of education, financial barriers, and insufficient infrastructure for waste management. Our approach leverages blockchain technology to create an Incentivized Waste Sorting and Recycling Platform that addresses these challenges by providing a transparent and accountable rewards system through partnerships with recycling companies.

Reasons for Our Approach

We chose this method because it combines technology with community engagement. By offering cryptocurrency rewards, we not only incentivize participation but also remove financial barriers, allowing more households to engage in sustainable waste management practices. The blockchain ensures that all actions taken on the platform are secure and verifiable, building trust and fostering community involvement.

Engagement and Beneficiaries

Our project will engage households in urban areas of Ghana, particularly those facing challenges with waste disposal and collection. We aim to empower these communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge to sort their waste effectively. Local businesses will also benefit from increased customer traffic and goodwill through partnerships that offer discounts to participants.

Demonstrating Impact

To demonstrate our impact, we will implement a pilot program where we will collect data on waste sorted and recycled, token distribution, and community engagement levels. This quantitative and qualitative data will help us measure the success of the initiative and refine the platform based on community feedback.

Uniqueness and Importance to Cardano

What makes our solution unique is its combination of community-driven incentives with blockchain transparency. Unlike traditional waste management solutions, our platform not only addresses immediate waste sorting but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. This initiative is important to Cardano as it exemplifies the use of blockchain for social good, enhancing community well-being and promoting sustainable practices in alignment with Cardano’s values of scalability, interoperability, and sustainability. 

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community

Our project aims to create a significant positive impact on the wider Cardano community by demonstrating the practical applications of blockchain technology in addressing pressing environmental issues. By implementing this platform, we will showcase how Cardano can empower communities, enhance sustainability, and promote social responsibility.

Value to the Cardano Community

The success of our project will bring value to the Cardano community in several ways:

• Showcasing Blockchain Utility: Our platform will illustrate the effectiveness of blockchain in creating transparent and trustworthy systems, encouraging more developers and entrepreneurs to explore similar applications within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Community Engagement: By fostering participation in waste sorting and recycling, we will engage local communities, increasing awareness and interest in blockchain technology as a tool for social good.
• Encouraging Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses and organisations will strengthen Cardano's presence in communities, demonstrating how blockchain can drive economic benefits and environmental improvements.

Measuring Impact

• Quantitative Metrics: We will track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:
• The total volume of waste sorted and recycled.
• The number of participating households and businesses.
• The amount of cryptocurrency tokens distributed as rewards.
• Changes in local waste disposal practices.
• Qualitative Metrics: We will gather feedback through surveys and interviews to assess:
• Changes in community attitudes toward waste management and environmental responsibility.
• The perceived value of the rewards system among participants.
• Success stories that highlight individual or community transformation.

Sharing Outputs

• Comprehensive Reports: We will publish detailed reports and case studies outlining our methodology, findings, and impact metrics, making them accessible on the Cardano website and relevant forums.
• Webinars and Workshops: We will host online events to present our results, share best practices, and foster discussions on potential collaborations and future projects.
• Social Media Engagement: Regular updates on social media platforms will highlight success stories, progress, and lessons learned, encouraging community interaction and support.
• Collaboration with Cardano Channels: We will leverage existing Cardano community channels to disseminate information, gather feedback, and foster discussions about potential improvements and further applications of blockchain technology..

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

1. Experienced Team: Our project team consists of software engineers proficient in blockchain technology and app development, ensuring we have the technical know-how to build a robust platform. Additionally, we have experts in natural resource management who bring valuable insights into sustainable waste practices and environmental issues.
2. Proven Track Record: We have been active members of the Cardano ecosystem for some time, having successfully delivered previous projects that align with the community's values. This experience has equipped us with the knowledge of best practices, community engagement, and the technical requirements necessary for project success.
3. Strong Community Connections: Our established relationships within the Cardano community and with local businesses and organisations provide us with essential support and resources for project implementation. This network will help ensure that we have the backing needed for effective outreach and collaboration.

Feasibility Validation

1. Market Research: We will conduct comprehensive research to assess community needs, existing waste management practices, and potential challenges to ensure our platform aligns with local realities.

2. Pilot Program: We will initiate a small-scale pilot program to test our platform, allowing us to gather feedback, identify potential obstacles, and refine our approach based on real-world experiences.

3. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with local communities, businesses, and waste management authorities will provide us with insights and validation regarding the practicality of our solution, ensuring we address their concerns and expectations.

Trust and Accountability in Fund Management

1. Transparent Budgeting: We will create a detailed project budget outlining expected expenses, including platform development, community outreach, and marketing. This budget will be publicly accessible to stakeholders for transparency.

2. Regular Reporting: We will provide regular updates and financial reports to stakeholders and the Cardano community, outlining how funds are being allocated and the progress made toward project milestones

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Platform Development Completion 

Timeline: Month 2

Acceptance Criteria:

• The waste sorting mobile app is fully developed and tested for usability and functionality.
• The blockchain infrastructure for reward distribution is successfully integrated.
• User feedback is collected from initial testing to identify any necessary adjustments. 

Community Onboarding and Education Program

Timeline: Month 4

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least 100 households are onboarded onto the platform.
• Educational materials (tutorials, videos, and guides) are created and disseminated to users to facilitate proper waste sorting practices.
• Community workshops are conducted to educate participants about the platform and its benefits.

Pilot Program Launch

Timeline: Month 5

Acceptance Criteria:

• The pilot program is officially launched in targeted urban neighborhoods.
• The platform successfully tracks and records the sorted waste data and reward distribution.
• Initial participation metrics are collected, with at least 50% of onboarded households actively engaging in sorting and recycling. 

Data Collection and Impact Assessment

Timeline: Month 6

Acceptance Criteria:

• Comprehensive data on waste sorted, community engagement levels, and reward distribution is collected and analyzed.
• Surveys are conducted to gather qualitative feedback from participants regarding their experiences and perceived impact of the program.
• A preliminary impact report is created summarizing the findings and insights. 

Project Close-out Report and Video

Timeline: Month 7

Acceptance Criteria:

• A detailed Project Close-out Report is prepared, summarizing project outcomes, challenges faced, and lessons learned.
• A video highlighting the project’s journey, community participation, and impact is produced and shared with the Cardano community.
• Feedback from stakeholders and participants is incorporated into the final documentation.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Kenneth Boateng

An active member of the Cardano and Project Catalyst communities since Fund 10, with experience as a community reviewer and contributor to a funded project in Fund 11. A skilled Data Engineer and Full-Stack Developer, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. My interests lie in leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence to solve longstanding challenges, pushing the boundaries of innovation to create impactful solutions.

Role

[Team lead, blockchain and backend developer]

Develop and integrate blockchain architecture, smart contracts, and security protocols for transparent reward distribution and decentralized governance.

Website

Telegram - KeBlacc

Discord - keblacc

Afia Owusu

An active Cardano and Catalyst Community Member since Fund 6, Coordinator of Catalyst Africa Town Hall (CATH) and Accra Resource Centre. Afia has been a CA since F7 and a vCA in F8. Afia holds an MSc in Management Information Systems from the University of Lancaster, UK, and a BSC. (Hons) in Natural Resources Management, University of Science and Technology (UST), Kumasi, Ghana. Afia is a Ghanaian, currently exploring new areas of sustainable development including blockchain education. Her interest is to educate and create awareness in communities to improve livelihood options among local people.

Role

[Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator]

Lead community outreach and education efforts, build partnerships with local businesses and recycling companies, and coordinate waste collection logistics while organizing events to foster participation and long-term engagement.

LinkedIn

Twitter - @AfiaOwusu13

Tel: - @AfiaAOwusu

Discord - Afia Owusu

Recruitment:

UX/UI Designer

Design a user-friendly app interface, interactive tutorials, and gamification features to enhance user experience and encourage waste sorting participation.

Further team expansion or recruitment will be carried out as needed to strengthen the project and ensure its success.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

• Platform Development:
• App development: 22,000 ADA
• Blockchain integration: 16,000 ADA

• Community Engagement:
• Educational materials: 6,000 ADA
• Workshops and training: 7,000 ADA

• Marketing & Promotion:
• Digital marketing: 5,000 ADA
• Local advertising: 3,000 ADA

• Operational Costs:
• Project management tools: 2,000 ADA
• Documentation and reporting: 1,500 ADA

• Legal and Compliance:
• Legal consultations and compliance: 4,500 ADA

• Miscellaneous Costs:
• Contingency fund: 2,000 ADA

• Recycling Company Partnership:
• Partnership and operational costs: 6,500 ADA

Total: 75,500 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The Incentivized Waste Sorting and Recycling Platform represents significant value for money for the Cardano ecosystem due to its potential to create lasting environmental, social, and economic impacts within Ghana. The project's costs have been carefully calculated to ensure that every allocation contributes effectively to our goals, and we believe these investments are justified based on several key factors.

Justification of Costs

Cost Structure and Competitive Rates: 

• The costs associated with app development, blockchain integration, and community engagement are aligned with industry standards for similar projects. 

Community Impact:

• The project’s primary goal is to foster long-term behavioural change around waste sorting and recycling, which is critical given Ghana's ongoing environmental crisis. The total investment of 54,000 ADA is expected to engage numerous households, driving substantial improvements in waste management practices. 

Scalability and Future Growth:

• The platform is designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to expand beyond plastics to encompass other recyclable materials in the future. This adaptability not only ensures continued relevance but also opens avenues for additional funding and partnerships as the project grows.
• The projected cost for the project is relatively modest when considering the wide-ranging environmental and economic impacts it aims to achieve. Our investment is strategically targeted at creating a sustainable model that will ultimately benefit the broader Cardano community.