T.O.P.P.E.R. -- Tech for Ocean Plastic Prevention and Expanded Recycling

From Denpasar to the World: Fighting Ocean Plastics with Data and Heart

T.O.P.P.E.R. was a two-year innovation project powered by Gringgo with support from the USAID Municipal Waste Recycling Program and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, combining technology, community collaboration, and education to stop plastic before it reaches the ocean.

How It Worked

A mobile app let citizens report waste issues, track household pickup schedules, learn how to sort and recycle, and contribute data on waste types and patterns -- becoming a digital bridge between households and waste operators.

T.O.P.P.E.R. was part of a broader USAID initiative awarding Rp 18 billion in grants and technical support to six organizations across Indonesia, aligned with Indonesia's National Plan of Action for Marine Plastic Debris.

"While the challenge of ocean plastics is global, the solutions need to be local." — U.S. Ambassador Joseph R. Donovan Jr.

Impact Snapshot

• Mapped hundreds of waste generation hotspots in Denpasar
• Engaged 1,000+ residents in waste data collection and education
• Built a real-time feedback system for household collection
• Increased income efficiency for participating waste workers

"Before the app, I had to guess where and when to collect waste. Now I can track households and even plan my route. I earn more and waste less time." — Independent Waste Collector