WeVOIS Labs is at the forefront of transforming waste management in India by leveraging advanced technology to ensure prompt and efficient waste collection from every doorstep. Based in Jaipur, this innovative startup uses an IoT-powered mobile app to guide sanitation workers along optimized routes, guaranteeing that no stop is missed, and every household and commercial establishment is serviced on time.
The waste management landscape in India faces numerous challenges, particularly in the collection process. When waste isn’t collected punctually, it leads to a host of issues, including the accumulation of garbage, environmental pollution, and significant risks to public health. Recognizing these challenges, Abhishek Gupta and Abhinav Shekhar Vashistha, alumni of IIITDM Jabalpur, founded WeVOIS Labs Pvt Ltd in 2018. Their mission: to streamline door-to-door waste collection in urban areas using state-of-the-art technology.
Innovative Solutions for Comprehensive Waste Collection
Traditional waste collection methods often reach only 60-70% of households, leaving a significant portion of waste either dumped in open areas or burned, contributing to severe land and air pollution. WeVOIS Labs’ IoT-based navigation system ensures that 100% of households are reached, every day, reducing the environmental impact and improving community health.
The WeVOIS mobile app guides collection staff along the most efficient routes, taking into account factors like geolocation, waste volume, and distance between stops. This ensures timely waste collection and optimized operations. Citizens can also track collection vehicles in real-time and receive notifications about their neighborhood’s collection schedule, ensuring they can dispose of waste promptly.
Widespread Impact and Expansion
WeVOIS Labs is making significant strides across urban India, partnering with municipal authorities in 18 cities, including Jaipur, Jammu, and Dehradun, to provide large-scale waste management solutions. The startup also serves private enterprises, particularly in Manesar, Haryana, and operates 600 vehicles that cater to over 500,000 households daily, collecting approximately 1,200 tonnes of waste each day.
In recognition of its impact, WeVOIS Labs has received accolades, including the Best Practice Award from the Government of Rajasthan and recognition from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for its role in effective municipal solid waste management.
Advanced Tracking and Feedback Mechanisms
WeVOIS Labs integrates advanced tracking and feedback systems into its operations. Collection vehicles are equipped with real-time tracking, allowing citizens to monitor the service. RFID and QR cards are placed at key locations, enabling sanitation staff to scan and confirm waste collection. In case of any disruptions, such as vehicle breakdowns, the system reroutes another vehicle to ensure no area is left unattended.
A built-in feedback mechanism allows citizens to report issues like missed collections, fostering transparency and trust within the community. Municipal authorities can monitor operations via a web portal that provides real-time data on collection efficiency, recycling rates, and landfill contributions, facilitating ongoing improvements.
Empowering Sanitation Workers
Beyond waste management, WeVOIS Labs is committed to uplifting the lives of sanitation workers. The startup offers fair wages, insurance coverage, and financial training to help workers manage their finances and plan for the future. It also assists them in obtaining essential documents like PAN and Aadhaar cards and supports them in opening bank accounts and enrolling in provident funds.
Through continuous training and development programs, WeVOIS Labs ensures that sanitation workers are motivated and recognized for their crucial role in maintaining healthy, vibrant communities across India.
Challenges and Growth Opportunities
The waste management market in India is projected to grow to $17.30 billion by 2029, presenting both challenges and opportunities. A significant hurdle is the lack of public awareness regarding source segregation. To address this, WeVOIS Labs is actively engaging in educational initiatives to promote waste segregation at the source.
The startup is also developing technology to track segregation practices, enabling targeted awareness campaigns and improving recycling efforts. Despite the challenges of funding in this capital-intensive industry, WeVOIS Labs has successfully raised $4 million in pre-Series A funding and aims to expand its operations to 250-300 cities within the next five years, including major expansions in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, WeVOIS Labs plans to incorporate advanced technologies like AI and data analytics to further enhance the efficiency of its waste management systems. With a vision to operate across hundreds of cities and significantly impact the waste management landscape, WeVOIS Labs is poised to lead the way in creating cleaner, healthier urban environments across India.
