Mastercard is collaborating with the sustainable payments firm Helpful and the Scottish Grocers’ Federation to initiate a pilot program that rewards Scots with 20p for returning single-use plastic bottles.
Through the ‘Recycle Glasgow’ app, participants can earn their reward by scanning the barcode on each bottle. After placing the bottle into a smart recycling bin or handing it to a retailer, the refund is transferred directly to their digital wallet provided by Helpful.
The initiative aims to significantly decrease Scotland’s CO2e emissions, projecting a reduction of 160,000 tonnes annually, which is comparable to removing 83,000 vehicles from the roads.
In addition, for each bottle recycled, a tree will be planted as part of Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition, which aims to restore 100 million trees by 2025.
Evan Michaels, founder of Helpful, emphasizes the program’s focus on engaging the younger demographic, particularly those aged 18-34. “We plan to work closely with local communities and schools to foster education and inspire action while channeling recycling funds into educational and charitable initiatives.”