Recycling comes with its own rewards

Do you ever wish you were a little better at recycling? Well, I think we all do. And in those spaces between residents, producers, and waste management companies, Togenesis sees an opportunity to improve how we recycle domestic waste items – how we can close the loop together!

In the autumn of 2020, around 600 households in the Helsingborg district of Mariastaden had a chance to try out the new Togenesis app, a test project in collaboration with the regional waste management company NSR. The aim was to investigate how an app could be used to make it easier to order waste collection, but also to see how residents could be motivated to make greener decision when it comes to throwing things away. The idea? Order waste pick-up on your phone from the comfort of your own home. The added bonus? Each pick-up gives points that can be used to choose a reward, all the while contributing to a healthier planet. Win, win, and win!

So how was the testing done? Mariastaden’s residents registered in the app, and NSR then sent out QR codes to attach to the waste – bulky waste, larger electronic waste items, textiles and shoes, and recyclable items.

Then it was just a matter of ordering collection and leaving it by the curb when Thursday pick-up comes around. The app shows your personal statistics as well as how much CO2 your virtuous actions have avoided for the planet. Also, you can see where “Totems” can be found – located locally at places such as supermarkets and bus stops – where you can withdraw packing bags and print personal QR codes.

From the Totem screen you’ll be able to see how much good your city is doing for the environment along with statistics on how much CO2 emissions have been avoided. The goal is also to bridge the gap between residents and companies so that businesses can get back their packaging and end-of-life products. The best waste is no waste!

Find out more about Togenesis here or read more details about the testing process in Mariastaden. You can also discover some of NSR’s other projects and the ambitions for a circular economy.