in Barcelona
3 to 5 Nov 2026Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV), Veolia Portugal, and Colombo Shopping Center have introduced a pilot project called ‘Reciclar o Food Court’, combining technology and intelligent waste management. The initiative is part of SPV’s open innovation program, Re_source 3.0, developed with startup Smartbin.io.
The project focuses on two key areas: an awareness campaign on proper waste separation in restaurants and a technological system to monitor waste sorting and identify areas for improvement. The awareness program includes direct outreach to restaurants, digital waste collection tools, and visual aids such as posters and videos to guide best practices.
On the technical side, the system uses QR codes on waste bags and AI-powered smart cameras in sorting rooms to analyze waste in real time. This allows for tailored feedback to each restaurant, improving recycling efficiency by identifying misplaced packaging.
The initiative aims to enhance recycling rates at Colombo Shopping Center, where 62% of waste was recycled in 2023. The project serves as a replicable model for sustainable waste management in commercial spaces.
