BANGALORE, India and WARREN, New Jersey, June 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Cloud-based platform to improve the working condition of waste pickers and integrate them into mainstream economy 

Mindtree, a global technology services company, today announced the launch of 'I Got Garbage' (IGG - http://www.igotgarbage.com), a cloud-based platform aimed to simplify waste management and transform every waste picker in Bangalore, India into an entrepreneur through a structured and governed waste management framework.

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India's garbage is mixed waste and the lack of segregation makes it difficult for efficient recycling. Fragmented communities of waste pickers manage waste by working in hazardous and inhuman conditions. Today, waste pickers go to the garbage heaps, segregate it and sell it to the waste collectors for recycling. The unhealthy working conditions led to waste pickers lead a life with an average life expectancy of 39 years with 1 in 3 infant mortality. To add to this, waste pickers do not have access to the mainstream supply chain of waste thereby reducing their daily income to less than a dollar.

IGG partners with social businesses to transform waste management into an organized sector and provide dignified living and working conditions for the waste pickers. It enables waste pickers to offer waste management services by organizing themselves into franchises and participate in online marketplaces where waste generators (households, apartments, offices) can procure waste management services. It also engages urban communities in solving the solid waste issues, and facilitates access to social security schemes for the waste pickers.

IGG offers capabilities such as an ERP for waste pickers, social engagement platform for citizens, marketplace for waste management services, and a waste picker benefits tracker. The initiative is a result of collaboration between Mindtree, Hasiru Dala, Waste Wise Trust and seven other social businesses.

Nalini Shekar, Co-Founder, Hasiru Dala said, "Mindtree is helping us build structure and processes into our model which enables us to scale and provide more dignified employment to waste pickers. Over the last six months, we have been using the platform and are seeing the positive impact of technology."

Prashant Mehra, Chief Architect of Social Inclusion, Mindtree said, "Our aim is to collectively dignify the livelihood of waste pickers by helping them setup micro-businesses and ensure less landfills for all. With the rollout of I Got Garbage, we are building a single window for Bangalore citizens to explore specific solutions to the issue of waste management."

About Hasiru Dala 

Hasiru Dala is a member-based organisation of waste pickers seeking to improve their working conditions and ensure continued access to recyclables in Bangalore. The membership is extended to waste-pickers, sorters and itinerant waste buyers; a majority of whom are women. For more information, see http://www.hasirudala.in 

About Mindtree 

Mindtree [NSE: MINDTREE; CIN: L72200KA1999PLC025564] delivers technology services and accelerates growth for Global 1000 companies by solving complex business challenges with breakthrough technical innovations. Mindtree specializes in e-commerce, mobility, cloud enablement, digital transformation, business intelligence, data analytics, testing, infrastructure, EAI and ERP solutions. We are among the fastest growing technology firms globally with more than 200 clients and offices in 14 countries.

We deliver amazing results: Helping 100 million passengers fly safely. Improving security and performance for one of the world's largest e-commerce stores. Unifying brand messaging and improving engagement for one billion consumers.  For Mindtree, "Welcome to possible" is more than a slogan - it reflects our approach for every engagement.

Visit us at http://www.mindtree.com. For more information, contact:

Sweta Mohanty
Mindtree
+91-98865-20141
Sweta_Mohanty@mindtree.com

Siddhartha Tanti
Genesis Burson-Marsteller
+91-99863-62435
Siddhartha.Tanti@bm.com

Kiran Farooque                        
PPR Worldwide                    
+44(0)207-300-6181                    
Kiran.Farooque@pprww.com                

David Barkoe
Max Borges Agency
+1-305-374-4404 x167
davidbarkoe@maxborgesagency.com

Mindtree Limited, Global Village, RVCE Post, Mysore Road, Bangalore-560059; CIN: L72200KA1999PLC025564; Phone: +91-80-6706-4000; Fax: +91-80-6706-4100; E-mail: info@mindtree.com / investors@mindtree.com ; Website: http://www.mindtree.com

SOURCE Mindtree