ReWaste – Creating Circular Economies by Rewarding Responsible Behavior
Programme: Interreg VI-A IPA Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027
Total budget: 919,966.80 EUR
Partnership
The project is implemented in cooperation with the following partners:
- Municipality of Voio (Lead Beneficiary)
- Cluster Bioeconomy and Environment in Western Macedonia (CluBE)
- Municipality of Debar
- Center for Understanding and Institutional Cooperation – Skopje (CUIC)
Project Description
The ReWaste project aims to transform waste management systems and promote a circular economy by encouraging responsible recycling through innovative and incentive-based approaches.
Through the introduction of “reverse vending” systems and targeted awareness campaigns, the project motivates citizens to recycle more effectively, reduce environmental pollution, and adopt sustainable consumption practices.
The project is implemented in the Municipality of Voio (Greece) and the Municipality of Debar (North Macedonia), ensuring a balanced cross-border approach. Smart recycling systems will be introduced, enabling citizens to receive credits and vouchers when returning recyclable materials, thus creating tangible incentives for participation.
CUIC’s Role
The Center for Understanding and Institutional Cooperation (CUIC) is responsible for:
- Communication and visibility of the project (WP2)
- Dissemination of project results
- Awareness-raising campaigns targeting citizens, schools, and communities
- Supporting stakeholder engagement and participation
Through these activities, CUIC ensures that project results are effectively communicated and widely accessible to the public.
Key Activities and Deliverables
The project includes:
- Installation and operation of smart rewarding recycling machines
- Development of a Current Situation Report and Local Ecological Action Plans
- Preparation of multilingual communication and awareness materials
- Implementation of capacity-building and training programmes
- Development of a digital strategy for replication
- Preparation of a Handbook of Policy Recommendations
Public engagement will be strengthened through at least 12 cross-border events and awareness activities, reaching over 200 participants.
Expected Impact
ReWaste contributes to:
- Increased recycling rates and reduced pollution
- Financial incentives for citizens through reward-based systems
- Reduced waste management costs for municipalities
- New business opportunities in the circular economy
- Strengthened cooperation between institutions across borders
Funding
The ReWaste project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme “Greece – North Macedonia 2021–2027” and is co-funded by:
- European Union (80%)
- National funds (20%)
More Information
For more information about the project, visit:
https://greece-northmacedonia.eu/project/rewaste