ReRun is a gig economy platform that works similar to apps like DoorDash or UberEats. The app connects those with recyclables with contract drivers who can pick them up and deliver them to the nearest recycling drop off point.
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When it comes to the environment, most people want to do the right thing.
But if you don't have curbside recycling service, making the environmentally conscious choice can be a chore.
Figuring out what items are recyclable, where each item needs to go, and how to get them there, can leave many feeling it's just not worth it.
My launching point for this project will be to create a mobile application that could help the US Environmental Protection Agency achieve this goal.
This will limit the area of service to inside the United States, and offers a clear business challenge to address.
*I, nor this project are affiliated with the US EPA
Apartment living complicates recycling
My hypothesis that the burden of recycling or proper waste disposal is higher for renters and apartment dwellers than for those who are homeowners.
There’s a couple reasons for this. One factor, is renters are much more likely to move around more often, meaning they have to research recycling availability each time they move.
Apartment management companies are also much less likely to provide recycling to their residents, and even when they do, it’s usually a limited scope of materials accepted and inconvenient access.
Even highly motivated individuals struggled
A number of those I interviewed identified recycling and proper waste disposal as something they were highly interested in addressing, still found themselves throwing recyclable material in the trash.
Mindset is key
For those who had experience with proper waste sorting, they considered proper disposal more as a civic duty and moral responsibility, than they did before that experience. For these individuals it is often perplexing to see others throwing recyclables in the trash, and users described feeling hurt about having to throw recyclables away.
Unconventional Solutions
I was struck by how creative my users got when it came to finding solutions for dealing with their waste, including repurposing, or using a Starbucks recycling bin.
Uncertainty is widespread
I was not surprised to find participants had trouble answering questions, particularly around types of plastics. Labelling adds confusion, and regulations change depending on the service.
There is also uncertainty that even if they do recycle, those items will end up in a landfill regardless, or if recycling is really ‘green’ at all. (which it certainly isn’t a perfect solution.)
Many problems can’t be solved with a digital tool
Problems like lack of service, or nearby centers and lack of storage inside an apartment are unlikely to be addressable through an app/digital tool.
These areas I’ll steer away from, as solutions will fall outside of the scope of this project.
Accountability helps
Participants reported higher participation in proper waste disposal when they had friends and family that were highly motivated.
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