Byewaste develops accessible and sustainable solutions for collecting and reusing unused clothing, books, and other items. Through its platform and door-to-door collection service, individuals can easily donate their belongings, preventing valuable materials from ending up in residual waste. This saves time and costs for households, encourages local reuse, and contributes to a circular economy and a more sustainable living environment.

During the Wereldhavendagen, research was conducted to understand how citizens respond to the collection service, how they experience its user-friendliness, and their willingness to pay for a reliable and convenient collection option. No fewer than 500 visitors participated in the test. They particularly appreciated the convenience of the service, the clear instructions, and the opportunity to immediately hand over items they no longer needed.

On average, visitors were willing to pay €5 for a door-to-door collection service. The removal of logistical barriers—such as distance to drop-off points and the need for transport—was cited as the biggest advantage. Recycling and reuse are not daily priorities for many people, but convenience and transparency were found to be the strongest motivators for participation. Rewards such as discounts or small incentives had less impact than the immediate practical benefit of decluttering. Seasonal moments (such as spring, summer, and the end of the year) also proved to be important triggers for cleaning and tidying up.

Next steps: raise awareness about how much unused clothing and how many books people have at home; improve communication about the convenience, transparency, and impact of reuse; and further encourage participation through practical campaigns.

In collaboration with
Wereldhavendagen Rotterdam & provincie Zuid-Holland