PRIORITY 1 - Transition to a low carbon economy
ReWaste project’s vision is to transform waste management systems and foster a circular economy by directly rewarding citizens for responsible recycling. Through innovative “reverse vending” systems and awareness campaigns, the project motivates communities to recycle more effectively, reduce pollution and promote sustainable consumption.
The project is implemented in the Municipality of Voio (Kozani, Greece) and the Municipality of Debar (Jugozapaden, North Macedonia), ensuring an equal cross-border distribution of activities. Together, they introduce smart recycling systems that offer citizens credits and vouchers every time they return packaging and recyclable materials, creating tangible incentives for participation.
The Municipality of Voio (Lead Beneficiary) oversees overall management and pilots the rewarding recycling system, including procurement, installation, and validation of smart collection units. The Cluster Bioeconomy and Environment in Western Macedonia (CluBE) focuses on citizen engagement, training and innovative social solutions to promote responsible behaviors. The Municipality of Debar adapts and replicates the system locally, while also leading the development of a long-term investment plan for communal waste management. Finally, the Center for Understanding and Institutional Cooperation – Skopje (CUIC) delivers the project’s communication, dissemination and awareness campaigns, ensuring broad visibility and community participation.
Key deliverables include the installation and operation of smart rewarding recycling machines, a Current Situation Report and Local Ecological Action Plans, multilingual communication materials, a co-creation training framework, capacity-building programmes, a digital strategy for replication and a comprehensive Handbook of Policy Recommendations for both countries. Public engagement will be strengthened through at least 12 cross-border events and awareness activities in schools and communities, reaching more than 200 participants.
ReWaste directly targets citizens who will benefit from financial rewards and a cleaner environment, municipalities that will reduce waste management costs, and local businesses that will see increased activity through voucher-based incentives. Government agencies and environmental organizations also benefit from improved data, strategies and infrastructure.
The project’s quantified results include €555,000 invested in new recycling facilities, 12 joint public events, and the sustained cooperation of 4 organisations across borders. With a total budget of €919,967 (80% EU-funded), ReWaste will create long-lasting improvements in recycling, generate new business opportunities in the circular economy and instill a culture of environmental responsibility that extends well beyond the project’s lifetime.
Lead Beneficiary
Project Beneficiaries
