Innovation

"We are here to bridge the gap by making it easier for waste seller, to sell or donate recyclable trash while increasing business for waste entrepreneurs"-Aayushi KC. Before Khaalisisi, 70% of the trash were left to decay but now most of the trash are recycled and 'zero waste' in Nepal is on the go. "In many places garbage collectors are mistreated and restricted from entering the houses due to the lack of respect comparing to their hard work, these khalisisi don't make enough money to justify that. "This product can connect the garbage collectors to the local people with respect," shares Aayushi KC.

Inspiration

Aayushi KC had a respected and well-paying job at USAID Nepal. But, she wanted to something different. So, she left the job with the dream of starting a trash-collection company. Aayushi realized people don’t even bother properly managing their waste. Additionally, people behave poorly with garbage collectors and outright disrespect them. She wanted to create a solution to the problem of trash collection in Kathmandu. “Our Khaalisisi friends scream their lungs out going alley to alley, requesting for recyclable wastes. Whereas, people wait for Khaalisisi friends (waste entrepreneurs) to come by at their doorstep. This is one frustrating gap. And this is why most of the valuable resources that could have been recycled end up in the landfill,” shares KC about the idea behind starting the company. KC wanted to start something that would develop similar waste management culture among the people and also change in the mentality towards garbage collectors.

Overall impact

With the help from Khaalisisi friends, garbage collectors have gained the respect that were not in proper use to the collectors. They have contributed to the waste management process when most of the trash were not recycled. They are implementing the "zero waste". They are establishing recycle industry due to the sheer lack of those industries. Indirectly they are also contributing to the health of the people as trashes are being recycled. They have given a bigger platform and more business opportunities. From this product women were also encouraged to work. Their overall contribution also includes contributing to the economy by purchasing of trash and selling them to recycle which automatically helps in the reduction of the cost of other products.

Business benefit

At the end of each month, 10 % of total profits are made through sales of recyclable trash and will go the Khaalisisi friends and family. Employees are retained and their welfare is also seen through the allowance given to them for their hard work. KSFs delivers what customers demand to maintain the market and encourage the customers to trust in this new business. KSFs also creates the environment for the new investment opportunities and also for other entrepreneurs who wants to start startup companies. This company will benefit other types of businesses too through better environmental quality.

Social and environmental benefit

The recyclable trash are sold, which contributes to the economy of the economy and helps other business through reduction in costs. With KSFs, environmental surroundings will be better as most of the trash will not be left to decay. KSFs fulfils plenty of sustainable development goals. One is it promotes healthy living and well being for anyone regardless of age. KSFs provides methods for clean air as it is starting to be scarce. This company ensures that wastes do not wind up in lands.

Interview

Aayushi KC, Founder & CEO