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A new app for waste separation aims to make it easier to dispose of packaging and its various components properly.
Too much packaging still ends up in residual waste. In addition, up to 18 percent of waste is still mistakenly put in the yellow garbage can or the yellow bag. This is now set to change. The “Digi-Cycle-App” of the company Saubermacher and Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA) aims to better communicate the handling of waste separation to Austrians, according to a statement on Thursday.
New collection of plastic waste since January
Since January, consumers have been able to scan packaging with their smartphones and receive specific instructions on waste separation and the location of the nearest collection point via the so-called “recycling guide.” The plan is to use the digital reward system, including rewards, to raise awareness of proper waste separation and climate protection.
Since January 1, 2023, all plastic packaging, such as yogurt pots, plastic bags or tubes, will be collected with plastic bottles and beverage cartons in yellow garbage can or bags throughout Austria. By 2025, the joint collection of plastic and metal packaging will be mandatory throughout Austria. Some federal states, such as Vienna, already prefer this and collect metals in the yellow garbage can.
“Digi-Cycle App” to make waste separation easier
According to ARA and Saubermacher, standardization generally makes waste separation easier. In the short term, however, there has been an increased need for information. The “Digi-Cycle-App” is intended to help with questions such as whether the yogurt pot must be washed out before recycling.
The application on the cell phone is divided into two sections: After scanning the barcode on the product, consumers receive information on how to separate waste correctly and at drop-off points in the area. In addition, a reward program is designed to increase further motivation to recycle; a quiz is held to win a climate ticket, among other prizes.
Waste separation in Austria varies from region to region
“Our goal is to make waste separation easier. Digi-Cycle shows for each deposited product the regionally valid references to the correct separating and collecting. The location finder with over 10,000 entries supports in finding the right collection point, especially for less frequent disposal routes or out-of-home consumption,” said “Digi-Cycle” Managing Director Michaela Heigl. This is because waste separation in Austria is still regulated differently from region to region. Well-known companies support the initiative and print separation instructions directly on their products. According to the press release, surveys have shown that there is still room for improvement in the knowledge of correct waste separation, especially among younger people.
- source: vienna.at/picture:ara.at
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