Reward4Waste
Sector: Secondary sector · Industry: Glass and ceramics industry · Organisation: RE:Universe · Maturity level: Pilot
Reward4Waste is a blockchain-based incentive system for glass recycling that rewards consumers with digital tokens for returning glass bottles. The system uses IoT sensors and QR codes to register returned bottles and transparently documents the entire recycling cycle on the blockchain. A pilot project in Ireland achieved a 94 percent return rate, demonstrating the potential for higher recycling rates through digital incentives.
Documentation status
- Project status: Pilot
- Evidence: Evidence medium
- Editorial review: Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026
Description
RE:Universe developed Reward4Waste as a token-based incentive system for recycling. The basic principle: users download the app, go to a glass or packaging container, scan a QR code before depositing, and confirm the action. The blockchain immutably records the recycling activity — tokens are only awarded for verified actions.
The core problem with recycling incentives: how do you prove that someone actually deposited glass? Reward4Waste solves this through a combination of geolocation (the user must be at the container), QR code scanning (each container has a unique code), and app confirmation. The blockchain ensures that a deposit cannot be rewarded multiple times and that tokens are only issued for genuine recycling activities. Earned tokens can be exchanged for vouchers, products, or experiences. For manufacturers and retailers, the system provides valuable data: which containers are used, by which target groups, at what times — directly usable for sustainability reports and optimisation of container placement. The concept follows the successful model of Plastic Bank (plastic collection tokens in developing countries) and is adapted for the German market. Germany has one of the highest glass recycling rates worldwide at around 84% — token incentives can further improve purity (sorting) and participation of younger target groups.
Perspectives
B2B — organisations perspective
Manufacturers and retailers can link their sustainability goals to concrete, measurable recycling activations via Reward4Waste — verified data instead of blanket recycling rates as a basis for CSRD reporting.
B2C — consumers perspective
Consumers receive a direct financial incentive for correct recycling behaviour for the first time — easily accessible via an app, gamified through token collection and redeemable for tangible rewards.
Employees perspective
Employees in waste management work with data-driven systems that optimise collection and sorting. Digitalisation requires new skills in handling IoT technologies and blockchain-based management systems.
Benefits
General
- The system can significantly increase the glass recycling rate, as demonstrated by the Irish pilot project with a 94 percent return rate.
- The blockchain documentation creates complete transparency over the entire recycling cycle.
- Token-based incentives motivate consumers towards more sustainable behaviour and strengthen the circular economy.
B2B — organisations
- Companies can reduce their raw material costs through greater availability of recycled glass while simultaneously achieving sustainability goals.
B2C — consumers
- Consumers receive direct financial incentives for environmentally conscious behaviour through redeemable tokens.
Employees
- Employees benefit from automated processes that reduce physically demanding sorting tasks.
Challenges
General
- Implementation requires significant investments in IoT infrastructure and the development of a functioning token ecosystem.
- Integrating various stakeholders from consumers to recycling companies is complex and time-consuming.
B2B — organisations
- Companies must adapt existing logistics and management systems to the new blockchain-based infrastructure.
Employees
- Employees need training to handle new digital technologies and changed workflows.
Technology foundation
The system is based on blockchain technology for secure and transparent documentation of all recycling transactions. The blockchain is particularly suitable for this use case as it enables immutable records over the entire cycle from collection to recycling.
Implementation examples
Reward4Waste pilot project Ireland
The project aimed to prove that digital token systems can replace traditional deposit systems and achieve higher recycling rates. At the same time, it sought to reduce the costs of managing physical deposit bottles.
RE:Universe conducted a pilot project with a digital deposit system in Ireland that achieved a 94 percent return rate.
The company RE:Universe tested its Reward4Waste system in an Irish pilot project as a digital alternative to the conventional deposit system. Consumers received tokens for returning glass bottles, which could be managed via an app and redeemed with partners. The project achieved an exceptionally high return rate of 94 percent and demonstrated the potential of digital incentive systems for sustainable behaviour.
The system solved the problem of low recycling rates for glass and the high administrative costs of traditional deposit systems. The digital solution eliminated the need for the physical return of deposit bottles.
Tags
Recycling, Token system, IoT, Circular economy, Sustainability