Residents of the housing cooperative The Village in Hammarby Sjöstad took part in a trial aimed at improving plastic sorting. Using the Envac ReFlow app, they received immediate feedback on their sorting habits and could compare their results with their neighbours. Competitions, clear information, and practical tips quickly produced results. Sorting measurably improved and the change was sustained over time.
The project is a collaboration between ElectriCITY Innovation, Stockholm Exergi, Stockholm Water and Waste (SVOA), Envac, LocalLife, Hållbara Reimersholme and the Sjöstadens Västra Vacuum Waste System Association.
To encourage better sorting, different motivational strategies were tested. Two competitions were held in which 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, where they could monitor their sorting statistics and compare themselves to others in the community. Through the app and regular email updates, they also received practical sorting tips and information about how their efforts help reduce climate impact.
The results show that:
- Households increased their plastic sorting by up to 44 percent during the campaign periods.
- The behavioural change persisted even after the campaigns had ended, with an improvement of around 20 percent compared to before the project began.
- Clarifying the connection between plastic waste sorting, the energy system, and carbon emissions increased residents’ motivation to sort correctly.
Following the successful trial in Hammarby Sjöstad, the method will be tested further. Stockholm Water and Waste has led a similar project in Norra Djurgårdsstaden, and results from both initiatives clearly indicate that wider implementation in 2025 is warranted.
The Sjöstadens Västra Vacuum Waste System Association is also exploring the possibility of introducing a new waste tariff. This would be based on the actual amount of waste generated by each property – rather than today’s flat-rate fee – and would provide further incentives for proper sorting.
