Transforming Waste Management: A Scrapp Success Story
Local governments face a common challenge: how to effectively engage residents in waste management programs while meeting sustainability goals. This case study explores how Scrapp's innovative digital solution transformed Re3's waste and recycling program, leading to significant cost savings and positive environmental impact.
The Challenge: Breaking Down Barriers to Zero-Waste
Local councils Reading Borough Council, Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council, were grappling with multiple interconnected challenges that hindered effective waste program management:
- Residents struggled to identify recyclable items, leading to contamination
- Existing information tools were fragmented and difficult to navigate
- Multiple platforms created inconsistent user experiences
- Limited data insights prevented targeted improvements
- High operational costs in managing resident queries
- Low resident engagement with recycling programs
The Solution: A Unified Digital Approach
Scrapp implemented a comprehensive digital platform that streamlined waste management through:
- An intuitive mobile app with barcode scanning and waste searching technology
- Automated bin collection reminders
- Clear, consistent communication channels
- User-friendly interface across all digital touchpoints
- Data-driven insights for program optimization
Results: Measurable Impact Digital Engagement (Since March 2024)
- 15,000+ unique waste queries processed
- 900 direct resident questions addressed
- 235,000+ bin collection reminders sent
- 100% of queries resolved
Cost Savings for Re3
- £15,000+ reduction in employment costs
- £10,000+ saved in printing expenses
- 1,000+ hours saved in handling resident queries
- 93% estimated reduction in personal contamination
- 250 hours of resident time saved in information searching
Environmental Impact
Scrapp works with ocean-bound plastic removal provider, Plastic Bank, every time a waste item is searched or scanned through Scrapp's platform. Since the launch, Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest council residents have prevented 15,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles entering the ocean!

Resident Testimonials
The platform's success is reflected in positive user feedback. Learnings from the feedback are being implemented for the relaunch of the app in April 2025.

Key Insights
The implementation revealed several crucial learnings (ranked in importance out of 10):
- User Experience is Critical (10/10) Simple, intuitive features like bin reminders drive consistent engagement.
- Stakeholder Buy-in Matters (9/10) Success requires alignment across multiple stakeholders.
- Digital Accessibility (9/10) Easy-to-navigate tools are fundamental for widespread adoption.
- Regular Communication (8/10) Consistent resident engagement drives positive recycling behaviors.
Future Improvements
To further enhance the platform's impact, Scrapp is focusing on the following improvements which are going live in April 2025:
- Expanding product database coverage
- Streamlining product and location assignment processes
- Mapping additional private drop-off points
- Implementing image recognition for difficult items
- Developing reward systems for continued engagement

Click here to download the full presentation!
How can Scrapp help?
For organizations seeking to implement data-driven waste and recycling programs, Scrapp offers a proven solution that delivers measurable results. Our platform not only simplifies waste management but also provides valuable insights for continuous program improvement. Contact the Scrapp team to learn how we can help your community achieve its sustainability goals through effective digital engagement.