Informing scalability for social innovation: Evidence from a recycling initiative

Social innovation in waste management has gained momentum as a pivotal approach to address environmental sustainability challenges. RECICLOS, a pioneering project centred on augmenting public awareness and incentivising recycling behaviour, stands as an example of social innovation within the waste management domain. This article investigates the scalability potential of RECICLOS and its implications for widespread adoption and impact. It employs a multi-dimensional analysis to evaluate the scalability of the project, synthesising information from diverse sources, various demographics and geographical locations. The research framework takes on an interdisciplinary lens, integrating insights from sociology, environmental science, technology adoption and policy analysis. The findings underscore the pivotal role of RECICLOS as a scalable model for social innovation in waste management. Crucially, it illuminates key factors contributing to its scalability, including the efficacy of behavioural nudges, the design and implementation of incentivisation mechanisms, technological integration and community engagement strategies. Moreover, this article examines the transferability and adaptability of RECICLOS to different socio-cultural contexts, emphasising the project's potential for global applicability. Insights gleaned from this analysis contribute to a nuanced understanding of how social innovation initiatives like RECICLOS can transcend local boundaries and evolve into scalable solutions with far-reaching impacts on waste management practices. This research serves as a foundational framework for policymakers, environmentalists and practitioners seeking to replicate, expand or adapt similar social innovation initiatives for sustainable waste management on a broader scale.