Consumers in Glasgow can now get instantly rewarded for recycling as part of Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme pilot and the Recycle Glasgow app. After downloading the app, users can scan the barcode on a single-use plastic bottle and in return, get a 20p ($0.27 USD) refund directly to their digital wallet. This reward for returning bottles to a smart recycling bin helps to curb throwaway culture and positively contribute to the fight against climate change.
Scottish Grocers’ Federation launched this initiative in partnership with sustainable payments provider Helpful and Mastercard, and as the partners describe, "The scheme is set to reduce Scotland’s CO2 emissions by 160,000 tonnes a year, the equivalent of taking 83,000 cars off the road. For every bottle recycled a tree will be planted via Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition, which seeks to restore 100m trees by 2025."
Micropayment Recycling Apps
The Recycle Glasgow App Supports Scotland's Deposit Return Scheme
Trend Themes
1. Instant-refund Recycling Apps - Developing instant-refund recycling apps for single-use plastic bottles can encourage more people to recycle and reduce waste.
2. Smart Recycling Bins - Creating more smart recycling bins that offer rewards for recycling, can be a disruptive innovation in creating a sustainable future.
3. Eco-incentive Programs - Developing eco-incentive programs, that not only encourage but reward users for taking environmentally conscious decisions, be it recycling or using sustainable alternatives can change consumer behavior.
Industry Implications
1. Waste Management - Waste management companies can provide smart recycling bins or partner with companies that offer instant-refund recycling apps to encourage more people to recycle and reduce waste.
2. Fintech - Through payment technology and digital wallets, fintech companies can facilitate eco-incentive programs for environmentally conscious consumers.
3. Retail - Retail companies can take recycling initiatives by offering rewards or discounts on the purchase of sustainable, eco-friendly products to encourage further environmental consciousness amongst customers.