In Abu Dhabi, a new recycling mobile app (RECAPP) has been launched to ensure that recyclable waste is collected from residences at no cost.

Through the app, one may order the collection of recyclables from their doorstep with a single click and earn points that can be used for presents.

RECAPP is the UAE's first free-of-charge digital door-to-door mobile app service for collecting recyclables and encouraging responsible behaviour for its members, which was introduced by Veolia Middle East in November 2020.

The goal is to make recycling more simple for individuals and, as a result, minimise the quantity of waste that ends up in landfills.

RECAPP, according to Jérôme Viricel, general manager of Veolia Middle East's RECAPP, helps Abu Dhabi citizens live a more sustainable lifestyle by making recycling as simple and plain as possible, as well as rewarding users for recycling.

He stated, "Veolia assures that 100% of the accepted recyclables received are sorted and processed for recycling." “With a rich reward plan to promote recycling and encourage responsible behaviour, RECAPP has already amassed a community of 7,000 users and collected more than 40 tonnes of recyclable materials.”

Users simply need to download the app, register an account with their location, and request a collection using the app, and the RECAPP crew will come to their house to collect their recyclables, such as plastic bottles and aluminium cans, according to Viricel.

“Because RECAPP is a contactless service, the recyclables are left outside the pickup address's front door, and the team picks them up from the user's doorstep,” he explained.

“Users can also earn points for collecting recyclable materials, which can be exchanged for presents from RECAPP partners through the online rewards system. When a user recycles, points are earned based on the weight of the recyclables collected.”

The weight of the recyclable bag is entered into the system and turned into points. For every 1,000g (1kg) collected, users receive 1,000 points. 5,000 points can be exchanged for Dh20 vouchers from RECAPP partners like Carrefour and Al Ain Water. As a result, for every 5kg of recyclables collected, RECAPP will give you the equivalent of Dh20 in points.