Veolia’s digital recycling solution, RECAPP, has launched a new recycling deposit system and rewards scheme in the UAE.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), aims to enhance the recycling reflex and promote the circular economy in the country. RECAPP’s new digital solution complements its existing app-based door-to-door collection service, utilizing reverse vending machines (RVMs) for bottle collection and smart deposit machines (RSDMs) for recyclable bags. This initiative aligns with Veolia’s strategic vision of offering comprehensive digital recycling solutions that benefit both individuals and the environment.
In Abu Dhabi, RECAPP has partnered with Masdar City to introduce the UAE’s first Deposit Return System with a reward scheme (DRS). By deploying Smart Deposit Machines (RSDMs), RECAPP aims to collect an additional 20 million bottles, supporting the UAE Government’s target of recovering 50% of single-use plastic bottles.
Simultaneously, RECAPP has officially launched its first RVM in Dubai, which is integrated with the app and offers various rewards. The unveiling event took place at SALT restaurant on Kite Beach, coinciding with World Environment Day, which focuses on combating plastic pollution this year.
Jérôme Viricel, General Manager of RECAPP at Veolia Near & Middle East, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to launch the next exciting chapter of RECAPP with the implementation of reverse vending machines and smart deposit machines in partnership with the Government of Abu Dhabi – Environment Agency, several brands, and communities.” He further emphasized Veolia’s commitment to promoting a circular economy and sustainable consumption patterns that reduce environmental stress. Viricel believes that this new digital solution will not only enhance the convenience and accessibility of responsible waste disposal for individuals but also provide fresh momentum to the recycling culture in the UAE, coinciding with the Year of Sustainability.
Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Integrated Environment Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, praised the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Abu Dhabi’s Single-Use Plastic Policy and the agency’s ‘Mission to Zero’ campaign. Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of generating public awareness about recycling single-use water bottles to prevent environmental harm. The partnership with Veolia represents a key milestone in implementing the agency’s umbrella policy, aimed at reducing reliance on single-use plastic items. To complement the RVMs, an awareness campaign will be launched to encourage community participation in collecting and recycling bottles. EAD has engaged stakeholders such as retailers, attraction sites, real estate developers, and private-sector packaging entities to support the success of the project.
The RVMs offer an instant recycling solution, capable of recycling various types of plastic water and beverage bottles and cans. They can be placed in high-traffic locations indoors or outdoors, recycling bottles individually. Connected to the RECAPP app, the RVMs reward users with 150 points per recycled bottle, which is eight times more compared to the Door to Door incentive.
The RSDMs allow users to conveniently drop off full bags of recyclables at outdoor locations like communities, supermarket parking lots, or petrol stations. Connected to the RECAPP app as well, the RSDMs provide users with 1500 points per 1 kg of recyclables deposited. Points earned from both RVMs and RSDMs can be redeemed by RECAPP app users for attractive vouchers from a wide range of top brands, including groceries, fashion, and e-commerce.
RECAPP, initially launched as the first recycling app in the UAE by Veolia Near & Middle East in November 2020, has evolved into a comprehensive digital recycling solution for individuals and businesses. It collaborates with third-party carriers to collect various categories of small waste streams that are often poorly managed.
Since its inception, RECAPP has grown into a community of 55,000 users, collecting over 1,000 tonnes of recyclables. Notable quantities include 34 million PET plastic bottles, 1 million PET trays, 1 million aluminum cans, 1.5 million metal tins, and 1.8 million home care and personal care containers. The platform has rewarded users with 65,000 vouchers, established partnerships with 18 reward partners, and contributed to a reduction of 2,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
RECAPP, known as Go RECAPP on iOS and Google Play, provides individuals with the app for recycling purposes, while the B2B recycling service can be accessed at www.gorecapp.com.