WasteApp
Sustainability is one of the greatest problems regarding the majority of touristic destinations in Europe and in the world. Waste littering falls not only under the municipalities and structures’ duty but also under the direct responsibility of visitors. To encourage this shared responsibility, touristic destinations can use measures to support the good behaviour of tourists, and additionally provide information on their systems and policies. This is the key factor that brought to the design of the WasteApp.
The WasteApp is a mobile phone application designed to promote users’ good behaviour regarding waste, to have a positive impact on waste management and follow cities’ litter policies. It has been created mainly for tourists, but can be used also by residents.
It is based on gamification strategy’s use to encourage good practices, and those differ from one pilot city to the other. The App includes evaluation as regards to correct use of bins, promotion of their use on social media, and assignment of points according to good behaviour. It also provides incentives as when performing good practices, it attributes points, that once accumulated can be exchanged in gifts or services provided by cities or participating entities (restaurants for example).
Furthermore, the app contains position of waste resources (such as bins, baskets), and ecotips, that are advice to perform a sustainable and responsible behaviour; useful links (waste collection times, general rules) and how to report detected problems to the city; cities’ strategies and policies; possibility of exchange information and feedbacks.
