Similar to bottle deposit train tickets and plastic payment promotions, this public transport credit initiative in Colombia allows people to trade recycled plastic for their own benefit. In Medellin, Ciclo encourages people to bring in their waste plastic in return for a top up for their travelcard. Designated drop off areas will be located around Medellin and in stations.
This environmentally friendly program particularly benefits low wage earners who rely on public transportation as well as regular commuters who are interested in saving money on travel expenses. Ciclo founders Miguel Uribe and Luis Felip Restrepo note the arrangement helps those earning minimum wage, as they typically spend over 15% of their income on transportation costs. The transport credit system also addresses the low percentage (25%) of recycling that occurs for the 180 tonnes of PET plastic used in Colombia annually.
Recycling Transit Initiatives
The Ciclo Program Offers Transport Credit for Recycled Plastic
Trend Themes
1. Transport Credit Initiative - A program that allows people to trade recycled plastic for transport credits offers disruptive innovation opportunities to promote sustainable transportation and incentivize plastic recycling.
2. Environmental Incentive Programs - Initiatives like Ciclo that reward individuals for recycling can inspire disruptive innovation in waste management and encourage sustainable practices.
3. Reducing Transportation Costs - The use of recycled plastic to top-up travel cards presents a disruptive innovation opportunity to reduce transportation expenses and provide financial relief for low wage earners.
Industry Implications
1. Public Transportation - The transport credit initiative can drive disruptive innovation in the public transportation industry by encouraging increased ridership and promoting a greener commuting option.
2. Plastic Recycling - Incentive programs like Ciclo offer disruptive innovation opportunities in the plastic recycling industry, encouraging higher recycling rates and the development of efficient recycling technologies.
3. Waste Management - Implementing similar environmental incentive programs can foster disruptive innovation in waste management, leading to more effective and sustainable waste disposal practices.