BERLIN (Reuters) - Confused about whether or not to recycle your discarded packaging?

Eugene, the recycling barcode scanner by French start-up Uzer, is the answer.

"There is a motion sensor, so every time you come next to Eugene to scan the product, to throw out the product, the camera will turn on. Eugene will tell you how to recycle the different components of your product. For example, Eugene tells you that the cardboard goes to the recycling bin and the plastic tube goes to landfill bin," co-founder of Eugene, Paul Alarcon, said.

A connected smartphone app rewards users for their conscientiousness.

"So the device is connected to a mobile app and every time you scan a product, Eugene will reward you with points and these points you can convert to vouchers and discounts on your favourite products," said Mr Alarcon.

Uzer has signed up various retailers to the scheme and has a database of more than 200,000 products.

The app can also automatically add replacements of discarded items to an online shopping basket.

Eugene works on double-A batteries which will last for six months, as power is only used when the motion sensor recognises movement.

Available in France for 99 euros (S$159), it will launch in the UK and North America next year.