# Waste Currency Brands accept waste as a payment for goods to reinforce positive perceptions. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Sep 2, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/refuse-currency ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Waste Currency trend? **Waste Currency:** Consumers are becoming more aware of how their habits affect the environment, which a number of brands are taking in stride by accepting waste as a form of payment. This active push for recycling helps reinforce a positive image of the brand for consumers and align previously wasteful brands with eco-conscious customers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Oct 7, 2013 to May 24, 2016 - Published: Sep 2, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Examples of the Waste Currency trend 7 featured examples from Oct 7, 2013 to May 24, 2016. - [Can Currency Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-cans): McDonald's Stockholm Lets Youth Trade in Bags of Recycled Cans For Burgers (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for fast-food restaurants to adopt creative marketing techniques that promote sustainability and cultivate social responsibility within young, eco-conscious target mar… - [Incentivized Recycling Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycling-machine): The Envirobank Recycling Machine Offers Prizes for Cleaning Litter (Category: Eco) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating incentivized recycling machines into the environmental services industry could enhance waste management practices and promote sustai… - [Pet-Feeding Recycling Bins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-pet-feeder): This Unique Pet Feeder Trades Recycled Items for Pet Food (Category: Eco) Implication: The waste management industry can explore partnerships, technologies, and business models that incorporate recycling machines and pet feeders to promote sustainability and animal… - [Charitable Airport Regulations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frankfurt-airport-recycling-bank): The Frankfurt Airport Recycling Bank Makes Giving Up Bottles Easier (Category: Eco) Implication: Airport industries can benefit from incorporating innovative recycling systems that incentivize charitable donations and offer convenience to passengers. - [Bartering Biomass Teahouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/methane-cafe): The Methane Cafe is an Eco Cafe in Japan That Trades Trash for Tea (Category: Eco) Implication: The food and beverage industry can embrace the trend of sustainable cafes by implementing energy-saving practices and repurposing food waste to create a more eco-friendly business. - [Eco Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/think-blue): Volkswagen's Think Blue Vending Machine Accepts Old Batteries As Payment (Category: Autos) Implication: Creating new and innovative ways to reduce carbon footprint and implement sustainable practices within the automobile industry. - [Rewarding Retail Recycling Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextworth): Target's NextWorth Program Rewards Consumers with Gift Cards (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity to launch trade-in programs for electronics and incentivize consumers to shop at retail stores. ## Themes within the Waste Currency trend ### Waste currency Brands are accepting waste as payment to reinforce positive perceptions and align previously wasteful brands with eco-conscious customers. ### Incentivized Recycling Incentives like prizes or pet food encourage people to recycle and can be implemented in public spaces and events. ### Rewarding Retail Recycling Programs Incentives like Target's NextWorth trade-in program incentivises consumers to trade in old electronics, while also maintaining business for the brand. ## What the Waste Currency trend means for industry ### For Retail Incentivized recycling and reward programs like Target's NextWorth can keep customers engaging with brands. ### For Food and Beverage The use of pet food in pet-feeding recycling bins like Pugedon's can help address the problem of stray animals, besides promoting recycling. ### For Environmental Services The collection of used batteries like in Volkswagen's Think Blue vending machine is an innovative, creative solution aimed for sustainability. ## Trend signals for Waste Currency Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 87%, activity 64%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 87% - Activity: 64% - Freshness: 8% ## Recent trend clusters - [Format Utility](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/packaging-line-efficiency) (Eco) - [Occasion Coding](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/commemorative-watch-design) (Fashion) - [Ritual Assembly](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/fan-building-kits) (Pop Culture) - [Muted Motion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/earth-tone-runners) (Fashion) ## Trending in Eco - [Italian-Built Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-built-electric-motorcycles) - [Compact Commuter E-Bike Motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-commuter-e-bike-motors) - [Lightweight Electric Mountain Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-electric-mountain-bikes) - [Off-Road Electric E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-road-electric-e-bikes) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)