Client
We teamed up with Re___, a Bulgarian company dedicated to transforming waste management practices through innovative technology. Their comprehensive mobile app is designed to make waste separation, recycling, and the responsible disposal of end-of-use electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) easier and more engaging for citizens while providing municipalities with critical data to optimize waste collection.
Challenge
In Bulgaria, the percentage of citizens who actively separate their waste into containers for plastic, glass, and paper remains low. Many people feel disillusioned with the recycling process, believing that all waste ends up in the same place regardless of their efforts. Additionally, a significant number of citizens are unaware of the locations of recycling containers, often citing that they are too far away or non-existent. This lack of information and trust in the system significantly impacts recycling rates.
For citizens:
The challenge was to restore trust in the recycling process and make it easier for citizens to locate and use recycling containers. To address this, Re___ developed an interactive map that provides real-time information on container locations and their status—whether they are full, damaged, or in good condition. To further motivate citizens, the app incentivizes recycling by allowing users to plant trees in exchange for points earned through responsible waste disposal.
For municipalities and waste management companies:
Municipalities and waste management companies face a different set of challenges, primarily revolving around the lack of real-time data on waste disposal behavior. Without insights into which containers are full or damaged, and without knowing when or where citizens are using the containers, it is difficult to efficiently manage collection routes, schedules, and container placement. This results in inefficiencies, higher operational costs, and poor service quality.
What we accomplished together
In collaboration with Re___, we developed a set of innovative solutions to address these challenges and promote more efficient waste management across Bulgaria. We focused on four key areas:
User-Powered Data Refinement
We introduced a "Report Bin Location" feature, enabling citizens to report problems with recycling containers directly through the app. Users can flag containers as full, missing, damaged, or dirty, ensuring that municipalities have up-to-date, accurate information about the status of their infrastructure. This crowdsourced data allows for real-time maintenance and management of waste containers, improving the overall efficiency of the waste disposal system.
E-Waste Management
The app was enhanced to include an e-waste collection service, allowing users to schedule hassle-free pickups of old electronics from their homes. This ensures that electronic waste is disposed of safely and responsibly, preventing harmful materials from entering landfills and reducing the overall environmental impact of improper e-waste disposal.
Barcode Scanning for Better Sorting
To reduce confusion about how to properly recycle various materials, we implemented a barcode scanning feature. By scanning product barcodes, users receive instant guidance on which recycling bins to use, based on the material composition of the item. This system links barcodes with RIC (Resin Identification Codes), helping users avoid sorting errors and reducing contamination in recycling streams, ultimately improving the efficiency of the recycling process.
Data-Driven Optimization for Municipalities and Waste Management Companies
Re___ provides municipalities and waste management companies with anonymous data to help optimize their operations. Through the app, real-time data on container usage is collected, including information that shows when and where waste is being disposed of, which containers are full, and which need maintenance or replacement.
This data allows waste management companies to:
Optimize waste collection routes and schedules, leading to more efficient operations and reduced costs.
Enhance service quality, ensuring that containers are maintained, emptied, or replaced in a timely manner.
This data allows municipalities to:
Make informed decisions on whether to provide more containers or redistribute existing ones based on actual usage patterns.
Optimize their existing structure of containers for separation of waste.
This data-driven approach helps municipalities and waste management companies better serve their communities while cutting down on unnecessary expenditures.
Additional Features: Educating and Engaging Users
Beyond these core solutions, Re___ also offers features that educate and engage users:
Gamification & Rewards: Users can earn points for eco-friendly behaviors, such as separating their waste properly. These points can be redeemed for tree planting initiatives, encouraging long-term engagement and fostering a deeper connection between individual actions and environmental impact.
Environmental Footprint Tracking: The app provides personalized feedback on users’ environmental contributions, showing how much CO2, water, and energy they save through their recycling efforts, giving them tangible proof of their positive impact on the planet.
Impact: A Cleaner Bulgaria with Smarter Waste Solutions
Thanks to the partnership between Re___ and Looming Tech, Bulgaria is witnessing a transformation in waste management practices. By making recycling more accessible, transparent, and rewarding, the Re___ app empowers citizens to play an active role in protecting the environment while providing municipalities with the data they need to operate more efficiently.
The result? Cleaner cities, reduced waste contamination, and a community-driven approach to sustainability. As Re___ continues to grow, its combination of user-powered data, real-time waste container insights, and advanced e-waste and barcode scanning features will continue to revolutionize waste management across the country.
Let's get moving!
Ready to make a positive impact with your next project? Contact us at blooming@looming.tech, and let’s work together to create something extraordinary for a greener future!
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