Technological Approach to Recycling Incentives

Globally, a staggering 91% of plastics are not recycled. The intrinsic motivators and mainstream incentives for recycling have proven to be ineffective at motivating large parts of the global population to recycle. Instead these items, including plastics and paper goods, end up in landfills or in the oceans. However, the profusion of technology across the globe brings new avenues for pursuing recycling incentives. Leveraging the framework of technology that walks around in the pockets of university students all around the world, our group created a mobile application that offers local incentives for recycling on college campuses. Implemented at both the University of Montana and Massey University Albany Campus in Auckland, New Zealand, our mobile application, TreasureBin, allows users to earn points for recycling items. Those points are redeemable for discounts on goods and services at local vendors. Through a technological approach to recycling incentives, we are able to collect clear data, while simultaneously reaching a dense population. TreasureBin confirms that global challenges can be addressed more readily with the profusion of technology. This project affirms that stagnation in the struggle against climate challenges can be combated with innovative, technological approaches