In the bustling streets of Taiwan, recycling has become a way of life. With resource recycling bins on almost every corner, the practice of “garbage sorting and resource recycling” is deeply ingrained in the daily routines of Taiwanese citizens. However, one entrepreneur, Li Han-Yang (Andrew Li), has taken this further by creating a groundbreaking innovation in the recycling industry: the smart recycling machine, ECOCO.
The birth of ECOCO: A vision for a greener future
In June 2018, Li Han-Yang introduced ECOCO, a smart recycling machine with advanced optical recognition technology that can identify and sort bottles and cans at an impressive speed of 320,000 scanning points per second. It can handle various items, including milk bottles, aluminum cans, plastic cups, and waste batteries.
The process is simple: Users download the ECOCO app, bring their cleaned recyclables to an ECOCO station, and deposit them into the machine. In return, they earn ECOCO points, which can be stored in their member accounts and redeemed for discounts at participating stores.
Combining ecology and economy: The ECOCO recycling model
ECOCO’s model ingeniously merges the concepts of ecology (ECO) and currency (COin). ECOCO encourages more residents, businesses, and organizations to participate in the system by offering point-based rewards that can be redeemed for discounts or special offers. This makes recycling a part of everyday life and promotes sustainable resource use. The collected recyclables are processed by technical manufacturers and transformed into new products, contributing to a cleaner planet.
Overcoming challenges: The journey of an entrepreneur
Li Han-Yang’s journey to establish ECOCO was not without its challenges. Growing up in Tainan, he was motivated to give back to his hometown. He recalls a pivotal moment when he witnessed a recycling worker mixing sorted recyclables, making him question the existing system’s effectiveness.
Determined to address this issue, Li faced initial resistance from his family and the difficulty of convincing manufacturers to collaborate without a tangible product. Despite these obstacles, he invested his money to develop the app and set up the first stations, eventually gaining support from like-minded businesses.
By 2024, ECOCO had expanded its network to include over 80 stations across 15 cities, partnering with various businesses such as beverage shops, department stores, restaurants, markets, insurance companies, and cinemas. The diverse range of point redemption options significantly boosted public participation and enhanced the image of partnering businesses.
The company’s success has even attracted international attention, with inquiries from companies in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Kazakhstan. The Japanese TV show The World Unknown to Matsuko featured an interview with Li Han-Yang, highlighting ECOCO’s innovative approach.
A global movement: The future of a circular economy
The circular economy concept, where resources are continuously reused and recycled, is gaining traction worldwide. Li Han-Yang is optimistic about the future of ECOCO and its potential to address global environmental challenges. He is currently discussing with major companies in Southeast Asia and Japan to expand ECOCO’s business model internationally.
Li’s dedication to ensuring that recyclables are properly processed and his commitment to solving societal issues through innovative solutions exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
Embracing innovation for a sustainable tomorrow
ECOCO’s smart recycling machines represent a significant step forward in the quest for a sustainable future. By combining technology, environmental consciousness, and economic incentives, Li Han-Yang has created a system that benefits businesses, consumers, and the planet.
Embracing such innovative solutions can inspire us to positively impact our world. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or someone interested in personal development and exploring foreign cultures, the story of ECOCO reminds us of the power of innovation and the importance of sustainability in our daily lives.
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
