Background The environmental and health impacts of badly managed waste are key concerns for our society. If not properly managed, waste can have significant impacts on the environment, human health, and on climate change. EU Member States and the European Commission are aware of these concerns and new approaches are encouraged that provide sustainable solutions to the challenge of cost-effective waste management. Objectives The LIFE CREWSOD project’s main objectives focus on the introduction of a new public participation approach to minimising the amount of waste that people produce. Those that produce less waste will be rewarded by paying less for their waste collection services. The innovative approach will be applied across the entire territory of the Municipality of Mosciano Sant'Angelo, in Italy’s Teramo province, after a preliminary test in the suburban area of Selva Piana (120 users). Initial work will involve surveying participants to determine their waste management needs and behaviour. A customised collection calendar will then be set up and kits will be distributed that include different bins for different types of waste. Types and volumes of waste will be monitored and information will be provided to promote waste minimisation. In addition, fines may be imposed to prevent misuse of the system. New vehicles, bins and bags are to be acquired to help ensure efficient operations at waste processing stations. Expected results: The main results relate to fostering behavioural changes. These relate to increasing users’ understanding of waste minimisation options as well as the environmental and socio-economic benefits of waste prevention. Outcomes from the project are estimated to allow possible savings of some 17% on the costs of waste collection services.