recycling rewards system
(2020)
Bobastar
Bobastar is a sustainability and recycling solution. It is a rewards system that targets the waste generated by bubble tea containers, which often contain food and drink leftovers sealed in the cup by cellophane film. These leftovers prevent bubble tea cups from being recycled, and can even contaminate clean recyclables.
Bobastar encourages consumers to separate their plastics and leftovers by offering rewards and prizes.
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Less than 10% of polypropylene containers were recycled in 2018. If containers like boba cups are more responsibly disposed of, this number could improve.
Cups containing leftover liquids or boba cannot be recycled. Even worse, they contaminate clean recyclables, ruining the entire batch.
proposal
A rewards system that gamifies the task of proper waste disposal. Consumers are encouraged to recycle in order to earn prizes.
Users sign in through the touchscreen interface to earn points by sorting their trash.
Rewards like capsule prizes or free drinks are earned by reaching point milestones.
Bobastar's body and capsules are made of recycled polypropylene plastics from discarded cups and straws.
Straws and cellophane lid seals, leftover liquids and boba, and empty cups are disposed of in separate bins, generating rewards points.
problem
Despite being made of polypropylene - a recyclable plastic - many bubble tea cups contain food and drink leftovers. This disrupts the recycling process, leading to landfill.
image courtesy of twitter user @pekepon_youtube