WasteTracker and DOT have partnered to replace circular economy assumptions with hard data by integrating precise waste measurement with closed-loop material recovery. Together, we provide buildings with the facts they need to effectively manage resources and reach their zero-waste goals through real-time monitoring and actionable insights. Read on to see how we implemented this approach in the Q22 office building in Warsaw.
Circularity is an economic model where resources gain new life instead of becoming waste. This creates a "closed loop," a system that exists naturally in the world. Yet, as we develop faster, we disrupt this rhythm - the European Union now generates over 510 kg of waste per capita.
The key to restoring balance is a deep understanding of how much waste we generate in our buildings - and exactly what happens to it. The WasteTracker system collects this information with precision and processes it into actionable insights, allowing us to choose the priorities that bring real, measurable change for both us and the environment.
In Warsaw’s Q22 office building, where WasteTracker has been operational since June 2024, the numbers pointed to a specific area for change: paper towels in shared restrooms. Analysis showed that they account for a significant percentage of the residual waste mass generated in the building's common areas. This is a prime example of wasting resources that could be reused. A paper towel is a cellulose material that serves us for only 30 seconds before ending up in a bin as residual waste. It is important to remember that a wet paper towel should not go into the blue (paper) bin - it is hygienic waste, and the moisture could cause mold, ruining the entire contents of the bin. Furthermore, cellulose fibers in towels are often too weak to become anything other than... a new paper towel.
As a catalyst for positive market change, the WasteTracker team recommended the RePAP solution. This system separates used paper towels as a distinct waste stream, which is then recycled in Poland, building a truly closed loop for this material.
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The decision to launch the pilot at Q22 was made by Anna Pilacińska-Woźniak (Senior Associate Director at CBRE), who opted for an innovative approach to managing a premium-class building.
"A modern premium building must be a space that stays ahead of its time - not just in terms of architecture, but primarily in how it manages its resources. We decided to pilot DOT's RePAP system because we want to test solutions that genuinely improve the service quality for our tenants and address future challenges. As the management team at Q22, we are constantly seeking new directions for development and are ready to blaze new trails. This approach allows us to offer the highest standard, where environmental care is an integral part of the user experience." - says Anna Pilacińska-Woźniak, CBRE.
DOT provides the RePAP solution - a system where used paper towels stop being waste and become a raw material returning to production. Instead of going into general bins, they are collected in dedicated containers. Finally, the paper is processed, closing the material loop.
But that’s not all - DOT’s strategy also includes a Refill model for cleaning chemicals: liquids and soaps delivered in reusable bulk packaging, which eliminates single-use plastics.
"Our mission at DOT is to eliminate waste through product and logistical innovation. We must remember that traditional paper production involves not only massive water consumption but also a significant environmental and financial cost. Collaborating with WasteTracker allows us to give this mission a measurable value. Thanks to their technology, our clients no longer have to take our word for it - they can see a real drop in the weight of residual waste and a measurable impact on the building’s carbon footprint in the admin panel." - emphasizes Adam Siedlecki, Founder of DOT.
Precise data is the foundation that allows a building to react and optimize costs in real-time. Waste deserves to be metered just like energy and water, as managing it becomes increasingly complex and costly.
"WasteTracker accurately measures quantities, timing, waste sources, and what happens to them next. With this data, we can precisely calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) for new green initiatives - both in terms of carbon footprint and waste collection costs. When we measure processes in real-time, we can react: adjusting waste collection schedules or verifying the number of containers since paper towels are no longer hitting the residual waste stream. This is our mission: to support clients in managing resources wisely, based on facts, not assumptions." - concludes Renata Hartle, CEO & Co-founder of WasteTracker.
This implementation proves that SMART waste management is an effective, ready-to-deploy solution based on a coordinated ecosystem of partners. The pilot at Q22 delivers what the market needs most:
Learn more about RePAP: https://systemdot.pl/repap/
