Recycling and circular-economy systems depend not only on collection infrastructure, but also on sustained citizen participation. In San José and the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), the ecoins programme combines digital incentives, environmental education, communication and public-private partnerships to encourage residents to keep recoverable materials in the circular economy.
Launched in April 2018, ecoins connects residents with authorised collection centres, municipal routes, clean points, special campaigns and other existing recovery systems. Participants prepare materials clean, dry and separated, deliver them through available channels and receive digital ecoins that can be used for draws or benefits offered by participating businesses.
Over time, the programme has developed beyond a recycling-rewards application. Its toolbox now includes a mobile application and web platform, geolocation of collection points, self-service reporting, barcode-based product information, dashboards, gamified education and support for responsible consumption and repair. Campaigns can be adapted to different territories, organisations and material streams, including electronic waste and other special waste.
By 2026, ecoins reported more than 123,000 accounts, more than 11,600 tonnes of recoverable material registered as recovered and an estimated 13,900 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided. The ecosystem included more than 750 collection points and more than 200 allied companies.
The San José experience, together with the programme’s application in Mérida, Mexico, offers practical lessons for cities seeking to build on existing infrastructure while strengthening citizen engagement, partnerships and data for circular-economy action.