Levelling up the Recycling Experience: Gamification of Recycling through an Innovative Recycling Station

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the relation between gamification and recycling of household waste by answering the question of how a gamified recycling station can make recycling a more engaging experience. The station was designed to make recycling a smart, neat and engaging experience for fifteen households during six months. A smartphone application based on gamification mechanics was developed including missions, achievements, quizzes and a visual progression map. Participants were using the smartphone application providing data during the project, as well as were interviewed before and after the period. Results show that when examining recycling experiences in terms of interaction, knowledge, attitudes, and perception, three different groups of participants could be identified. It was shown that the connection between the physical environment and smartphone application was important to consider as these had to be congruent. Further, it was revealed that such intervention via gamification and a new recycling station could contribute to a better recycling experience and increase knowledge, depending on the type of user ranging from engaged, partly engaged to not engaged.