A new app should make it easier to properly dispose of packaging and its various components. The “Digi-Cycle-App” of the company Saubermacher and Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) aims to better teach Austrians how to separate waste. According to a broadcast, too much packaging still ends up with the residual waste.
In addition, up to 18 percent of waste still ends up in the yellow bin or bag. Since January, consumers have been able to scan packaging with their smartphone and receive specific separation instructions and the location of the nearest collection point via the so-called “Recycling Guide”. The plan is to use the digital reward system, including bonuses, to raise awareness of professional waste separation and climate protection.
Innovations in plastic recycling
Since 1 January 2023, all plastic packaging such as yogurt cups, plastic bags or tubes, as well as plastic bottles and beverage cartons, are collected in the yellow bin or yellow bag throughout Austria. In 2025, the joint collection of plastic and metal packaging will be mandatory throughout Austria. Some federal states, such as Vienna, already prefer this and already collect metals in the yellow bin.
According to ARA and Saubermacher, standardization generally makes separating waste easier. In the short term, however, there was a greater need for information. The “Digi-Cycle-App” should help with questions about whether the yoghurt pot should also be washed out for recycling.
information and a rewards program
The application on the mobile phone is divided into two areas: After scanning the barcode on the product, consumers receive information about the correct separation and about collection points in the area. In addition, a rewards program should further increase the motivation to recycle and a climate ticket will be raffled off in a quiz.
“Our goal is to make waste separation easier. Digi-Cycle shows the regionally applicable instructions for proper separation and collection for each stored product. The location finder with more than 10,000 entries helps you find the right collection point, especially for less common disposal methods or out-of-home use,” says Michaela Heigl, General Manager of Digi-Cycle. Because waste separation is still regulated differently in Austria per region. Well-known companies support the initiative and print separation instructions directly on their products, according to the broadcast, surveys show that there is still room for improvement, especially among young people, in terms of knowledge about proper separation of waste.
Source: Krone
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