In the modern, digital age, data moves at a rate faster than we have ever seen before. News can be accessed at our fingertips almost instantaneously, there is an online platform for just about anything, and technology is advancing before our very eyes; this is the era of information. In an effort to merge the progress of technology and the climate movement, environmentalists around the globe are finding new ways to bring innovation to the world of recycling. Check out these remarkable recycling apps that are tackling the climate crisis, one piece of plastic at a time!
1. The Recycle Coach-
The Recycle Coach is a great option for people living in larger cities, with a virtual platform focused on teaching users how to recycle correctly. The format of the app is simple, with a search bar for any questions you might have, a calendar to schedule your recycling, and a “Discovery Zone” to help you learn more about recycling basics and more. As users interact with the app, they are eligible to earn badges that encourage them to continue their recycling journey. In addition, The Recycle Coach has a help center that ensures the information provided is up-to-date and accurate. The main downside of this app is that it is not available just anywhere, it requires a highly populated area with multiple users.
Features at a glance:
- Calendar for scheduling recycling reminders
- Discovery Zone with recycling basics
- Blogs with detailed and educational recycling information
- Search bar for recycling questions
- Badge reward system for recycling efforts
- Help center for any extra assistance
- Free to use
Downsides:
- Only available in large metropolitan areas
Find The Recycle Coach in the Apple or Android app stores for free!
2. RecycleBank-
RecycleBank is an online platform that tracks your recycling efforts, tallying them up in a point system. The website is designed to encourage recycling and reward users through local initiatives. Points are converted into savings at local businesses, with an emphasis on discounts for sustainable goods and services. RecycleBank keeps track of your hard work and rewards you for it, all it takes is signing up, adding recyclables into the system, and waiting to collect goodies! The main downside of RecycleBank is its lack of availability in a mobile setting, it is currently only available on the web.
Features at a glance:
- Tracks your recycling efforts
- Provides a point system to redeem savings from local businesses
- Encourages the use of sustainable goods and services
- Free to use
Downsides:
- Only accessible in participating municipalities
- Only available online, not currently a mobile app
Check out RecycleBank at https://recyclebank.com/!
3. Irecyclesmart-
Irecyclesmart is an online platform from CalRecycle that works to make recycling less confusing. The website hosts a collection of articles, videos, and other recycling resources to help consumers better understand how to successfully recycle. In addition to educational materials, this innovative app helps connect California residents with local recycling facilities through a curated search engine. Some categories include e-waste, recycling batteries, local bottle, and can recyclers, as well as a list of curbside recycling information. While geared toward California residents, the website is accessible to all, though lacking a mobile app platform.
Features at a glance:
- Recycling search engine for different types of recycling
- Educational materials on how to be a better recycler
- Website accessible nationwide
- No account necessary
- Free to use
Downsides:
- Only available online, not mobile app accessible
- Location limited to CA only
Irecyclesmart is available online, check it out here!
4. Ridwell-
Ridwell is a new recycling app that is starting out with a bang! The app works as a subscription service allowing users to sustainably reuse and recycle hard-to-recycle items. The service provides users with Ridwell bags to collect their materials in, schedule a pickup, and Ridwell does the rest! Recyclables are picked up at home and sent off to the company’s local partners, ensuring that they are either recycled or reused. This unique subscription service is available in six different locations: Denver, Seattle, Portland, Twin Cities, Austin, and the East Bay Area. The pricing plans range from $12-$18 per month and offer easy, hassle-free recycling services.
Features at a glance:
- At-home pick up of recyclable materials
- Offers easy access for difficult-to-recycle items
- Includes featured categories so users may add extra materials
- Provides Ridwell branded bags for easy pickup
Downsides:
- Only currently available in six locations
- Costs anywhere from $12-$18* monthly (*prices found in East Bay Area)
Ridwell is currently available for iOS only and can be found in the Apple app store!
5. Scrapp-
Scrapp recycling is a UK-based app that takes attention to detail to a new level. The easy-to-use software allows users to scan the barcode on any household product, and provides step-by-step instructions on how to properly recycle the material based on local guidelines. The app then tracks the number of materials that were properly disposed of and updates you on your progress in recycling, composting, and trash. Scrapp recycling helps you ensure you are taking the proper steps to recycle successfully and provides fun facts and other cool content after the recyclable was scanned. Unfortunately, the search bar option is not operational currently and the app is somewhat limited due to the main location being UK based.
Features at a glance:
- Scans household items to determine recyclability
- Provides step-by-step instructions for proper disposal
- Tracks disposed materials and offers progress updates
- Shares fun facts and cool content about recycling
- Free to use
Downsides:
- Search bar is not operational at the moment
- UK-based so limited availability in the US
Scrapp is available to download on both Apple and Android app stores for free!
6. Fat Llama-
Fat Llama is a remarkable eco-tool working to save people money while simultaneously preventing excess waste. This online rental service provides users with the opportunity to rent items from other users in their community. With 15 categories of items to choose from, Fat Llama is working to prevent needless spending and consumer culture by offering rental options. Users can try new hobbies, using expensive equipment without all the cost. The biggest downside of this awesome software is that is not available in a mobile app and is only accessible in larger metropolitan areas.
Features at a glance:
- Online rental service
- Hosts 15 categories of items available
- No account necessary
- Free to use
Downsides:
- Not available as an app, only online
- Only available in larger metropolitan areas with participating users
Fat Llama is available online for free, check it out at here!
7. OLIO-
Olio is the innovative food-sharing solution working to tackle our overwhelming global food crisis. The app connects users within their community, providing them with a platform to share food and non-food items with neighbors, rather than letting things go to waste. The software consists of three main categories, free, borrow, and wanted, connecting people with listings that may benefit them. Additionally, the app offers goals to encourage users to be aware of their personal impact, as well as forums and a messaging center to keep people connected. Rather than tossing out excess food or products, Olio connects people and helps local communities give back to each other.
Features at a glance:
- Connects users in their local communities
- Food and goods-sharing to prevent waste
- Sets goals to track progress
- Messaging capabilities
- Forums to share information and questions
- Free to use
Downsides:
- Limited use based on community engagement with app
Olio is available to download in the Apple and Android app stores for free!
These seven remarkable apps working to bring about a brighter, greener future are just the tip of the iceberg. More innovative apps are on the way! One amazing 14-year-old Parkland student is in the process of launching yet another app designed to help tackle the climate crisis. RecycleBot uses analysis software to determine if materials are recyclable or compostable just by taking a photo of the item.
The app is designed to help people understand where materials need to be, rather than just guessing and hoping for the best. RecycleBot may not be available now, but this trailblazing technology is headed to demo for congress in April.
Lasso Loop Recycling
In addition to all of these incredible, state-of-the-art software and apps, there is even more innovation coming to the recycling industry! Meet Lasso, the world’s first domestic recycling system that pays you for your used materials. The Lasso appliance scans, breaks down, and separately stores the seven most impactful recyclable materials, at home.
Forget lugging your recycling bin to the curb every week, instead, have Lasso take the guesswork out of recycling and ensure that your used materials are actually recycled. Our current recycling system is less effective than we might think, with only about 2% of the items being successfully closed-loop recycled.1 That’s a massive amount of materials going to waste! Lasso creates a circular economy by facilitating a successfully closed-loop recycling system, something that is missing in the curbside system.
To learn more about the future of recycling and Lasso’s closed-loop system, follow us on Instagram!
Sources:
1. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/the-new-plastics-economy-rethinking-the-future-of-plastics
