Apaga

Apaga is a green platform that enables retailers and customers to turn garbage into money.

The problem of waste management is as prevalent in Armenia as it is in other parts of the world. Recycling companies in countries like Armenia have the capacity to recycle more waste, but the sourcing can be an issue. At the same time, many people want to protect the environment by recycling their waste, but just do not have the opportunity to do it well.

Apaga was founded in 2018 and wants to solve these problems, starting in Yerevan where users (individuals and companies) are able to order pickups for their waste to be recycled. When the waste is picked up, coupons from partner companies are given in exchange. These coupons provide discounts in the partner shops, restaurants, cafes, etc. The company is currently working with 500 households and businesses and have over 40 partner companies providing discounts to their customers.

At present, Apaga collects three types of recyclable waste: plastic, paper and glass. Since this is a paid service of regular pickups, there is no minimum amount of waste per pickup. However, the maximum for individual subscribers is 200 L of plastic, 100 L of Glass, and/or 200 L of paper. For organizational subscriptions the maximum is 600L of plastic, 500L of glass, and/or 600L of paper. Contrary to popular belief, recyclable waste has very low value, especially in Armenia. So low, that delivering it to the recycling plant always costs much more than what the waste is sold for. In most countries, income taxes pay for recycling. Their method enables people and businesses to get rewarded for recycling by receiving either discount coupons or green advertising. However, in order to fund part of the transportation costs, there is a sign-up fee for both individuals and businesses. The rest is financed by the EU and AGBU. 

Apaga has been awarded as one of the top 10 winners at Climate Launchpad that is one of the world's largest green business competition.