HELPFUL and Mastercard have launched a digital system to make it easier to return single-use plastic bottles ahead of the Scottish deposit return scheme (DRS) pilot launch.
Using HELPFUL’s digital wallets and micropayments, users will obtain 20 pence for each bottle returned. The trial will focus on Glasgow, with users being digitally rewarded through the new Recycle Glasgow mobile application.
Through a partnership with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation, consumers can download the Recycle Glasgow app from their app store and return their plastic bottle to one of the participating conveniences stores across the city of Glasgow.
Furthermore, for every bottle recycled a tree will be planted via Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition, which seeks to restore 100 million trees by 2025.
Founder of HELPFUL, Evan Michaels, said, “We’re incredibly excited to help to provide a solution to enhance the upcoming DRS scheme with the introduction of digital wallets and micropayments. Aimed at everyone, but especially the young and engaged 18-34 year-olds, we will be working within the local communities and local schools to help educate and inspire action, as well as enabling recycling funds to go to schools and charitable causes.”
Scott Abrahams, senior vice president, business development at Mastercard UK & Ireland, added, “We are thrilled to have worked with HELPFUL to develop the RECYCLE Glasgow pilot, offering environmentally-conscious consumers an easy way to help the planet by recycling single use containers –and being rewarded for it.”
