Why is littering still a problem?
According to a national litter survey conducted by Keep Sweden Tidy on behalf of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency in 2020, almost 22 million cigarette butts were thrown on the ground during a single summer week.
It may have been smart to restrain our energy and act according to the law of least resistance when we lived on the savannah, but that can hardly be an excuse in today's society. We are also pack animals that mimic others, so when we see littering, we may perceive it as normal and do the same, even though we want a clean environment. We act without thinking.
Recycling - soon it will be easy to do the right thing
The new waste ordinance that entered into force in 2024 means that municipalities are now responsible for collecting packaging waste from households. The aim of the change is to make it easier for you to sort at source, which in turn should increase recycling and reduce the need for new raw materials.
From January 1, 2026, municipalities must collect ordinary packaging waste separately in squares or parks larger than 2,000 square meters where there are significant amounts of packaging waste.
Nudging - A push in the right direction
To make waste sorting in parks a natural and obvious part, we need to bring about some behavioral changes. Nudging is a method where places are designed and arranged to facilitate sustainable decisions - both for the individual and society.
It's about understanding why we act the way we do and then developing messages that influence our behaviors, making it easy to do the right thing. By creating an environment that makes it easy and attractive to sort correctly, we can all contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Make it easy and attractive to sort correctly
To create a clean and sustainable environment in our parks, recycling must be both easy and inviting. Through smart design and thoughtful placement, we can make it easy for visitors to take responsibility for their waste. By combining clear messages with incentives and creative solutions, we can make recycling a natural part of everyday life - and contribute to a cleaner environment.
- Place visible and clearly labeled recycling bins in strategic locations. By making it easy to find the right bin, we are more likely to sort correctly. Read about how the Norrmalm district administration in Stockholm optimized the placement of bins and saved on 115 000 emptyings.
- Inform about the importance of recycling through engaging messages. When we understand why our contribution is important, we are more motivated to participate. Read about how Borås is smashing the litter record and how every Borås resident has played a role in transforming the city into a cleaner, tidier, safer and more environmentally friendly place.
- Nudging in Skärholmen. In collaboration with Japan Tobacco International (JTI), Keep Sweden Tidy conducted a pilot project in 2020 in Skärholmen, Stockholm, to reduce the number of cigarette butts on streets and squares. One of the stickers was adorned with the text "Hey smokers, smoke over there" and aimed to draw the smoker's attention to smoking zones around trash cans and cigarette machines.
- Reward the right behavior and introduce small incentives or rewards. This can be as simple as a nice message on the bin, or sounds that reward us when we throw away rubbish, or digital inserts like QR codes to get points or discounts.
Smart technologies for a sustainable future
With extensive experience in supporting municipalities in their waste management, EWF Eco is a reliable partner in creating cleaner and more sustainable public environments. We offer not only products but also advice based on understanding the unique needs of each municipality. Through waste volume analysis and bin placement optimization, we help municipalities implement efficient and environmentally friendly solutions that promote recycling and reduce littering.
The smart waste sorting system Bigbelly has helped many municipalities to streamline their waste management. The bins come in several different variants and enable the collection of different fractions, such as plastic, paper, glass and organic waste, directly in the public space. The system is modular and can be easily adapted to the needs of any environment, from parks to city centers. With built-in solar cells and compaction technology, Bigbelly can handle up to five times more waste than standard bins, reducing emptying frequency and thus transportation costs.
In addition, each unit is connected and sends real-time data on fill levels, making it easy to plan collections efficiently. This ensures that different fractions are always handled correctly, contributing to increased recycling and a cleaner urban environment.
