Designed to drastically reduce the environmental impact of the event, this unique initiative revolutionized waste management by transforming waste into valuable resources.
Beyond the Games, this system demonstrates that large-scale events can achieve a “zero waste” goal through optimized and participatory resource management. As part of the “sustainability wrap-up” for Paris 2024, the waste management strategy evaluation in Marseille earned a perfect score of 100/100.
As part of the sailing events held at the Marina of Marseille, Hopscotch implemented a sustainable innovation initiative in collaboration with Synchronicity: the Upcycling Road.
An Integrated and Circular Waste Management System
The Upcycling Road is based on a systemic and inclusive strategy combining several innovations:
Cyclo-Mobility:
Waste collection by 5 electric bikes powered by solar energy, with pickups every 15 minutes at collection points.
Traceability and Real-time Management:
Implementation of a digital information system using QR codes on bins and containers to identify sorting errors and allow immediate intervention.
On-site Sorting and Processing:
16 people dedicated to manual sorting, optimizing waste recovery by increasing from 17 identified waste streams to 28 recyclable material types.
On-site Biowaste Treatment:
Integration of methanization and shredding equipment to minimize transport and promote local recovery.
Measurable and Exemplary Results
The project achieved a high recovery rate of 83.8% on 33.5 tons of waste:
29%
biowaste recovered
0
trucks used
5,3%
reuse
16,2%
landfill
0,1%
incineration
Positive Environmental, Social, and Economic Impact
The Upcycling Road does more than reduce waste; it also contributes to:
- Social and Territorial Innovation: Creation of local jobs with a team of 17 people including 5 from the social and solidarity economy (SSE), stakeholder awareness, and strong local roots through Marseille-based partners.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Soft mobility, compaction, and flow optimization to limit transportation.
- Material Circularity: Innovative valorization of waste streams through alternative partners (market gardeners, design associations, equestrian centers, etc.).
CARBON CALCULATOR
“Hello ICE”: the carbon calculator developed by Hopscotch to manage the environmental impact of events