Every day, large amounts of waste are dropped off at the recycling stations in the Municipality, but only a small part is returned as recycling to citizens and businesses. How can we collect it in an efficient way and make it more attractive to recycle than to buy new?
In the design process, we set out with questionnaire surveys, workshops and desk research to gain a deeper understanding of the desires and attitudes of both citizens and local businesses towards recycling. Among other things, it gave us insight into what types of recycled objects and materials are in demand, as well as what structures and mechanisms can help support more circular consumption patterns.
One of the key insights highlighted the need for solutions that increase the value of recycled goods. In other words, solutions that ensure that items dropped off at the recycling site can return to circulation and reach citizens in an attractive and easily accessible way.
This gave us the idea for the Treasury — a logistics system that collects recycled materials from the recycling site and passes them on to companies, institutions, recycling shops and associations that can find new owners for them.
During the Treasury's first 12 months, 207 tonnes of recycled materials have found new owners.
Companies and thrift stores help to circulate the goods back into the community and create new uses.
The project has also opened up a new user group: vulnerable citizens in the municipality. Through a referral from their caseworkers in the municipality's administrations or from the Criminal Guard, they can access furniture and other necessary items in the Treasury.
