If all plastic packaging in Stockholm households were sorted correctly, residents could cut carbon dioxide emissions by 40,000 tonnes annually. This is equivalent to half of the fossil-based emissions generated by household waste. Now, an innovative project in Hammarby Sjöstad is demonstrating how this can become a reality.
Residents of the housing cooperative The Village in Hammarby Sjöstad took part in a trial to improve plastic sorting. Using the Envac ReFlow app, they received instant feedback on their sorting behaviour and could compare their results with their neighbours. Competitions, clear information, and practical tips quickly delivered results. Sorting measurably improved, and the change was sustained over time.
The project is a collaboration between ElectriCITY Innovation, Stockholm Exergi, Stockholm Vatten och Avfall (SVOA), Envac, LocalLife, Hållbara Reimersholme, and Sjöstadens Västra Sopsug Samfällighetsförening.
“At Envac, we are proud to be part of this groundbreaking collaboration! Through Envac ReFlow and together with our partners, we have taken important steps towards creating a more sustainable and circular future. With innovative solutions and local cooperation, we are showing how smart waste management can help reduce environmental impact and increase resource efficiency in cities.”
Klas Leksell, Product Expert, Envac ReFlow, Envac
Competitions, Information, and Digital Feedback Delivered Results
To encourage better sorting, various motivational factors were tested. Two competitions were held, where households could win prizes based on how well they sorted their plastic waste.
In addition to the competitions, households received regular feedback via the app, allowing them to track their own sorting statistics and compare themselves with other residents. The app, along with regular email updates, also provided practical sorting tips and information on how their efforts contributed to reducing climate impact.
The results show that
- Households increased their plastic sorting by up to 44% during the campaign periods.
- The behavioural change was sustained even after the campaigns ended, with an improvement of around 20% compared to before the project started.
- Highlighting the link between plastic waste sorting, the energy system, and carbon emissions increases household motivation to sort correctly.
Next Steps – Expanding to More Areas
Following the successful trial in Hammarby Sjöstad, the method will be further tested. Stockholm Vatten och Avfall (SVOA) plans to implement the concept in Norra Djurgårdsstaden in spring 2025.
“The project is a brilliant example of what happens when everyone in the chain works together. Increasing plastic sorting is crucial to achieving our environmental goals, and we look forward to building on this great initiative. This collaborative approach truly delivers results.”
Lars-Olov Andersson, Automated Waste Collection Manager
Sjöstadens Västra Sopsug Samfällighetsförening is also exploring the possibility of introducing a new waste tariff. Instead of the current flat fee, the tariff would be based on the actual amount of waste each property generates, providing an additional incentive to sort correctly.
For More Information, contact:
Klas Leksell, Product Expert ReFlow, Envac
Klas.leksell@envac.se
+46 (0) 708 17 9400