5 incredible recycling innovations of 2016

From recycling kiosks and food waste grinders to ethical smart phones, we look back at some of the most impressive innovations in the recycling industry this year.

ecoATM by Outerwall
Despite up to 80% of mobile phones components being made of recyclable materials, many end up either hidden away in drawers or at landfill when they break or the user decides to upgrade to a new model. EcoATM by Outerwall is offering a convenient way for consumers to trade in their phones for cash, on the go. The ecoATM is a kiosk machine installed at supermarkets and busy public areas where you can deposit old mobiles, tablets and mp3 players. Once deposited the machine searches online for the best possible price for your electronics and then if you agree on the price gives you cash on the spot.

BioTrans
This food waste system aims to help restaurants to reduce their food wastage in a convenient way. This system allows chefs to empty food waste and vegetable peelings directly into its tank where it grinds them up. The BioTrans tank is then periodically emptied and waste is transported to plants where it is turned into renewable biomass energy.

Fairphone
Dubbed as an ‘ethical smartphone’ the Fairphone and Fairphone 2 is now available in the UK. The phone which was launched in Amsterdam boasts a design which is focused on reducing e-waste. This means the phones are built to last longer and are much easier to repair and dismantle so that they can eventually be repurposed, rather than ending up in landfill.

Groasis
The Groasis Waterboxx, designed by Pieter Hoff, is a circular device which cleverly captures rainwater and condensation naturally available in the air. It then harnesses the rainwater and condensation to grow plants in almost any climate from California to the Sahara desert.  Hoff also plans to create a biodegradable version of the box too.

BuffetGo
The recently launched BuffetGo app is an excellent method of reducing food waste. This app works in a similar way to food delivery services like JustEat and Deliveroo, however rather than paying for food cooked specifically for you, you pay for a meal made up of leftovers from buffet restaurants that would otherwise have had to throw it away. BuffetGo estimates that they are currently saving over 240,000 portions of food from landfill each day.

We take recycling seriously at LSPS. For more information or to find out how we can help with your waste disposal efforts, please visit our website or call us on freephone 0800 083 7807.