The 123Recycle app scans a product’s barcode and then provides details on how to segregate out the different parts of an item’s packaging correctly.

The app is currently only available in Singapore, on Androids and iPhones, but gives out exact instructions for 99% of Nestlé-branded products sold in the country.

For instance, for a bottle of ‘Maggi’ tomato sauce, the app would tell the user that the bottle and label should be put in a green recycling bin for glass, while the metal screw cap should be placed in the yellow bin for metal and aluminum.

The technology has been developed in collaboration with the Nanyang Polytechnic School of Information Technology for both Nestlé and non Nestlé products, but only gives out generic advice on specific packaging types for the latter.

Nestle’s senior packaging engineer, Yves Soppelsa, developed the app in response to watching her neighbours in an apartment block incorrectly sorting out their waste packaging for recycling.

The app is being supported by the Singaporean government’s National Environment Agency, the Singapore Environment Council and the Waste Management & Recycling Association of Singapore.

Maxine Perella

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe