In South Africa, a new app-based service, working off the grid from a used ship container, is seemingly bringing convenience and simplicity to businesses and professionals who need waste removed from worksites. WRAPP (Waste Recycling App) is bringing together independent truck owners and the customers who need waste removed – all via an easy-to-use mobile app, says the firm behind it.
For business owners, project managers, site managers and other professionals, WRAPP makes ordering and tracking as easy as other, familiar app-based taxi and food delivery services. “We want to spare you the hassle of sorting out your waste, while creating work for truck owners in an environmentally conscious way,” says founder Clive Amsel. “It’s one of the primary reasons we exist.”
WRAPP allows a customer to choose the waste type, truck type and pick-up time for loads from 1.3 to 12 tons, with quotes in 60 seconds, all on the app. Payment happens after delivery, either via a credit card payment gateway on the app or by EFT. With live tracking and notifications, there’s no need to follow up on the status of the order with calls or texts. In addition, the cloud-based dashboard gives managers access to a full audit trail with time stamps of every load’s life cycle, from removal to recycling or disposal. It also features useful graphic breakdowns of the data.
Sign-up to the service takes under 90 seconds on the website (www.wrapp.co.za) or the app, which is available for Android devices from the Google Play store. When a customer places an order on WRAPP, it’s processed instantly, and the closest available truck is dispatched or scheduled for the job. After completion of the trip, clients are able to rate the driver’s service – WRAPP reports an average rating of five stars out of five for the last 12 months, which indicates the high level of satisfaction from customers.
Apart from the time saving WRAPP affords, customers appreciate the work opportunities the service is creating. “It’s one of the most satisfying aspects of what we do,” says Amsel. “I think our customers recognize the potential this technology opens up for South Africans.”
All service providers are vetted and approved by WRAPP, with quarterly quality checks for roadworthiness and compliance with National Waste regulations. They move most types of recyclables and solid waste, using skip bins, RORO (roll-on roll off) bins and tipper trucks that come with their own loading staff. Some also handle sand and stone delivery.
WRAPP is a member of the Institute of Waste Management South Africa and is accredited as a waste provider by the City of Cape Town. They currently have 60 service providers registered in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, servicing over 700 clients. Amsel says the service plans to roll out nationally by the end of the year.
