Waste pickers recover the world’s plastic. But no one sees them

Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, informal waste pickers collect over 60% of recycled plastics. Yet, they work in dangerous conditions, face unfair prices, and are left out of the formal economy.

Plastic waste isn’t trash. It’s income, dignity, and opportunity.

When collected and repurposed properly, plastic waste generates income, fuels manufacturing, and reduces environmental harm — creating opportunities for circular economies.

We’re connecting Africa’s waste pickers to the future of recycling.

Ishara builds technology and partnerships that give waste pickers better prices, safer working conditions, and access to markets — while providing brands and governments with verified, traceable plastic recovery.

Fair Pricing

Waste pickers earn dignified, transparent rates.

Market Access

Connecting collectors to reliable recycling partners.

Traceability

Verified plastic recovery data.

Environmental Impact

Reducing landfill and ocean leakage.

At Ishara, we believe that ethical, traceable recycling starts with those who have been overlooked for too long.

We build tech-enabled buyback centers that pay waste pickers fair prices for plastic, giving them real income and dignity. Through our blockchain-backed tracking platform, we ensure that every piece of plastic collected is verified, creating a transparent chain from waste picker to recycler to brand. By working directly with recycling companies and community leaders, we are transforming informal waste recovery into a formal, resilient part of the circular economy — empowering people, preserving the planet, and proving that ethical plastic recovery is possible.

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