ACR+ starts its voyage into behaviour science with a dedicated project

ACR+ is delving into behavioural science with the new INTERREG EUROPE project BEHAVE—Behaviour Assessment and Valorisation for Elevated Waste Management Strategies. Led by the Municipality of Novo Mesto, the project brings together ACR+ members Brussels Environment and ATA Ancona, along with other partners such as IRIS Salten from Norway and the Dubrovnik–Neretva County Development Agency. ACR+ plays a key role as an advisory partner, supporting the use of behavioural insights to improve circular economy strategies and waste management policies. 

BEHAVE aims to gather and apply behavioural data to enhance waste prevention, separation, and litter reduction. The project explores innovative methods such as Save-As-You-Throw (SAYT), Know-As-You-Throw (KAYT), and Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT), alongside nudging techniques, reuse initiatives, and smart waste systems. During the kickoff in Novo Mesto, partners exchanged success stories, such as Brussels Environment’s food waste behaviour research, Ancona’s and IRIS Salten’s PAYT/KAYT schemes, and Dubrovnik–Neretva’s tourism-focused behaviour assessments. 

To support the project framework, ACR+ member Behaven delivered training on behaviour science, helping partners apply its tools and principles to real-world cases. ACR+ encourages interested members to connect with Ernest Kovács at ek@acrplus.org to take part in upcoming BEHAVE activities and share good practices across the network.