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Spotted: Many people want to recycle, but knowing what’s recyclable and which bin an item needs to go in can be confusing. In addition, many municipalities lack effective sorting tools. Candam is addressing these issues by developing smart systems like RecySmart, which transforms regular bins into smart ones that identify and track waste, making recycling easier and more efficient.
Candam’s smart bins can be used as part of ‘return and earn’ and ‘pay-as-you-throw’ schemes that can charge or reimburse users based on the volume, weight, or number of waste items thrown away. The heart of this is RecySmart’s IoT-enabled patented Smart Ring, which can recognise all types of packaging material in real time using a multisensory detection system and acoustic techniques based on edge AI.
In ‘pay-as-you-throw’ (PAYT) schemes, users with the RecySmart can log into a dedicated app and then place their packaging items into the bin. As they place the items in the bin, RecySmart characterises the packaging material and logs it in the app.
In addition to PAYT, RecySmart can also be used to reward users for recycling in ‘return and earn’ schemes. This works the same way as PAYT, but instead of charging for waste disposal, the system can identify and track items placed in a recycling bin and then pay rewards based on the amount that each person recycles.
Jordi Berguinzo, Candam executive director and co-founder, told Springwise that RecySmart is inspired by the EU’s ambitious circular economy goals, adding, “Growing global awareness of the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of plastic pollution also drives Candam’s mission. Our technology bridges the gap between policy mandates and practical implementation, empowering communities and municipalities to meet recycling targets.”
Candam has plans to expand ‘return and earn’ schemes across Europe, helping municipalities align with upcoming environmental regulations and revisions to the Packaging Waste Directive. The company aims to become the universal solution for the upcoming Deposit Refund Systems, especially focusing on small businesses and packaging consumed on the go.
Written By: Lisa Magloff