A digital system for increased source sorting and engagement in public environment
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | MoRe Research Örnsköldsvik AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 994 517 |
| Project duration | December 2020 - February 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Civic tech |
| Call | Civic tech: Digital services for enhanced trust between citizens and the public sector |
Important results from the project
The purpose was to test and evaluate deposit on on-the-go coffee papercups in a real environment in combination with clear information on how the mugs should be pawned and recycled, as well as a reasonable distance to the source sorting station. Evaluation map deposit levels, recycling levels, the purity of collected material and the acceptance among consumers and points of sale. Covid-19 contributed to reduced activity in the city and thus the number of cups sold. Pick analyzes were performed and analyzed. Few consumers responded to interviews, more responded to the survey.
Expected long term effects
A collateral level of around 10% was achieved. About 90% of the coffee cups were sorted in the correct recycling fraction. Together with a low deposit level, it indicates that the proximity to being able to get rid of the mug was more important than getting to the source sorting station. Surveys and interviews showed that a deposit on on-the-go packaging is not crucial for increased source sorting in a public environment. They were positive to the project´s aim of recycling in a public environment, they did not appreciate the layout of the app that was tested in the project.
Approach and implementation
Between 1 June and 31 August 2021, in Örnsköldsvik, consumers had to pay a deposit of SEK 2 when buying a take-away coffee at one of the participating cafés. This pledge was returned to the consumer when they pledged their coffee mug using an app at one of the eight source sorting stations that were set up in Örnsköldsvik´s city center. It was also possible to order the mug at the conventional recycling stations for packaging and newspapers in the municipality. Pick analyzes, interviews and surveys were the basis for evaluation results.