The waste management revolution must begin with how people think

The waste management revolution must begin with how people think

Germany is Leading the Way in Recycling Success

According to a recent report from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Germany boasts impressive recycling rates across various waste streams.

  • Municipal waste? 67 percent recycled.
  • Production and commercial waste? Nearly 70 percent recycled.
  • Construction and demolition waste? A staggering 90 percent recycled!

But why is Germany so successful in recycling? One word: incentives. Germany's deposit schemes have revolutionized recycling, incentivizing citizens to participate actively in waste management. This approach aligns closely with Recyclium's mission – to incentivize and empower individuals to recycle, contributing to a circular economy and a sustainable future.

At Recyclium, we believe that change begins from the bottom up. When people recognize the value of waste, it becomes a valuable resource in itself. Just as Germany has demonstrated, incentivizing recycling not only benefits the environment but also creates a culture of sustainability and responsibility.

Curious about how Germans perceive the value of waste? Check out Liam Carpenter 's insightful videos, such as his journey bringing a water bottle back to Germany for recycling!


Example of Romania confirms this assumption

The recent surge in container returns under the Deposit-Return System is a testament to the power of incentives in driving recycling behavior. In just the first two weeks of February, an impressive 5 million containers were returned by consumers – doubling the number returned in the entire month of January.

It's proof that when we provide tangible rewards for recycling, people are more motivated to participate, ultimately leading to a cleaner, greener future for all.


Early incentivization can lead to the adoption of recycling behaviors. When individuals experience the benefits firsthand, whether through monetary rewards, discounts, or other incentives, they're more likely to continue recycling as a natural part of their routine.

Moreover, incentivizing recycling ensures that waste is no longer viewed as mere disposables but as valuable resources waiting to be reclaimed. This shift in perception not only encourages responsible waste management but also opens up opportunities for companies to reuse materials, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

At Recyclium, we're passionate about leveraging incentives to bring about positive change. By empowering individuals to see the value in their waste and facilitating the reuse of materials by companies, we're paving the way for a greener, more prosperous future. Let's turn recycling into a rewarding habit and make every act of recycling count!


Werner Liechti

I like to build cool things l Founder of SayNode | Co-Founder of Yzer.io | Co-Founder of chainstaff | Photographer at liecht.ch

1 年

Incentives are definitely the right way to go!

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