RECICLOS: providing incentives for recycling cans and plastic beverage bottles
RECICLOS provides incentives for recycling cans and plastic beverage bottles. It aims to increase the rate of recycling in Spain by introducing rewards. It's a straightforward process: upload the app, see if your town is covered, scan the can or bottle, drop it off in the appropriate container or RECICLOS machine, and then use your points to try to win prizes - such as electric scooters, tablets and bicycles - or gift them to social and environmental projects.
The project was co-created by Blue Room Innovation, which comes up with technological solutions to sustainable challenges, and Ecoembes, a non-profit association that manages the recycling of plastic containers, cans, tetrapaks, paper and cardboard in Spain. Blue Room Innovation is also the project's technological, communication and innovation partner.
The project started in 2019 with the first pilot scheme in the Pla de l'Estany region (Girona). The project has now expanded to cover more than 60 municipalities.
- The RECICLOS app has been downloaded more than half a million times.
- It covers more than 60 municipalities in Spain.
- There are also more than 130 RECICLOS machines installed in train stations, malls and markets.
- Finally, data show that RECICLOS increases the amount of plastic collected.