# Community Recycling Reward Schemes This Plastic Waste Recycling Initiative Rewards the Local Area By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-09-30 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastic-waste-recycling References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/rewards-scheme-turns-local-waste-plastic-blocks-community-projects/) & [wastedlab.nl](http://www.wastedlab.nl/en/) In an effort to address the international issue of plastic waste recycling, this community initiative is taking a local approach. Run by the CITIES Foundation, WASTED is a campaign that encourages citizens to [upcycle their plastic waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-block-maui) in exchange for rewards. The waste itself is turned into [building blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atlanta-airport-chairs) that can be used in a number of ways. Based in Amsterdam Noord, WASTED combines plastic waste recycling with community development as well as design. At volunteer workshops the waste is turned into the versatile blocks, which can in turn be used to construct things like benches and stages that will benefit the community. Those who donate plastic waste recycling are given tokens, which can be redeemed at a number of local businesses. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Community Recycling:** Community recycling programs are becoming increasingly popular and present an opportunity to incentivize recycling and create a more sustainable future. - **Plastic Waste Upcycling:** Innovative techniques for upcycling plastic waste are being developed, providing an opportunity to reduce waste and create new products. - **Local Reward Schemes:** Local reward programs can be an effective way to motivate behavior change and encourage participation in sustainability initiatives. ### Who This Affects Most - **Waste Management:** The waste management industry can benefit from incorporating community recycling and upcycling initiatives into their practices. - **Design and Construction:** The design and construction industry can find opportunities in using upcycled plastic waste to create sustainable and unique building materials. - **Local Businesses:** Local businesses can incorporate reward programs that incentivize positive behavior and support community sustainability initiatives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rewarding Recycling Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patagonia-2.md) - [Gamified Recycling Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-container.md) - [Cleanliness-Minded Civic Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/civic-apps.md) - [Upcycled Building Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plaex-building-systems-inc.md) - [Recycled Plastic Bottle Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toss-in-take-out.md) - [Upcycled Skateboard Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-rpsd.md) - [Pet-Centric In-Store Recycling Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/petco-instore-recycling-program.md) - [Pet Gear Recycling Schemes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wag-n-wash.md) - [Recycled Plastic Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bristol-plastic-factory.md)