The increasing number of studies and contests with regards to trash bin design proves the importance of “proper design” in segregation and/or throwing of wastes. Today, simple trash bin manufacturing convenience is not enough to arrive to an efficient design. Many factors need to be considered. For the group’s design, several websites and oral opinions were carefully considered.
The task of the group were to design an efficient trash can for academic buildings and dormitories (in UP Diliman). Both types of buildings, in majority, have almost the same users and therefore almost the same kind of trash. However, the volume for different types of trash differs. For example, one can see more waste papers in academic buildings than in the dormitories where there are more sanitary napkins.
For the design, the group focused on the following features: material, size and shape, segregation, color and label, and opening. The University of the Philippines Diliman has no strict guidelines with regards to the mentioned features. And only, according to iskwiki.upd.edu.ph, the University should have different bins with proper labels for disposables, biodegradables, paper, and recyclables. These bins should be located in strategic places. Also, special bins in parking areas, and comfort rooms should be present for general sanitation.
Material. Metal (stainless, tin, etc), and plastic are the common materials for trash bins. However, the use of plastic is more advantageous nowadays. One of the reasons for the increasing shift to plastic is the corrosiveness of some trash, especially in kitchen wastes. Metal coatings are also delicate and expensive. Metal bins in general are heavier, harder to clean, harder to move around, and more expensive. From these, the group decided to have the plastic for the design. Specifically, the group design proposes the use of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE).
Shape. The trash bins’ shape is almost a right cylinder, though its top has a bigger radius than its bottom. The use of this shape is because of the following reasons: 1)easy to manufacture, 2) few stress points because it has no corners, and 3)efficient for maximizing volume use.
Segregation. The group want to improve the segregation in trash bins. Instead of the usual three bins for biodegradables, non-biodegradables, and residuals, the group proposes a five-bin segregation. Separate trash bins for 1) paper, 2) plastic, 3) other recyclables, 4) biodegradables, and 5) residuals.
The task of the group were to design an efficient trash can for academic buildings and dormitories (in UP Diliman). Both types of buildings, in majority, have almost the same users and therefore almost the same kind of trash. However, the volume for different types of trash differs. For example, one can see more waste papers in academic buildings than in the dormitories where there are more sanitary napkins.
For the design, the group focused on the following features: material, size and shape, segregation, color and label, and opening. The University of the Philippines Diliman has no strict guidelines with regards to the mentioned features. And only, according to iskwiki.upd.edu.ph, the University should have different bins with proper labels for disposables, biodegradables, paper, and recyclables. These bins should be located in strategic places. Also, special bins in parking areas, and comfort rooms should be present for general sanitation.
Material. Metal (stainless, tin, etc), and plastic are the common materials for trash bins. However, the use of plastic is more advantageous nowadays. One of the reasons for the increasing shift to plastic is the corrosiveness of some trash, especially in kitchen wastes. Metal coatings are also delicate and expensive. Metal bins in general are heavier, harder to clean, harder to move around, and more expensive. From these, the group decided to have the plastic for the design. Specifically, the group design proposes the use of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE).
Shape. The trash bins’ shape is almost a right cylinder, though its top has a bigger radius than its bottom. The use of this shape is because of the following reasons: 1)easy to manufacture, 2) few stress points because it has no corners, and 3)efficient for maximizing volume use.
Segregation. The group want to improve the segregation in trash bins. Instead of the usual three bins for biodegradables, non-biodegradables, and residuals, the group proposes a five-bin segregation. Separate trash bins for 1) paper, 2) plastic, 3) other recyclables, 4) biodegradables, and 5) residuals.
1. Paper
| 3. Other Recyclables (Steel and Bottles or Glasses)
|
The high volume of paper and plastic (especially plastic bottles) in the buildings concerned is the reason for this separation. This separation will improve volume control between bins and post-abandonment segregation.
Color and Label. The aesthetics is very important in trash can, especially for segregation purposes. Several psychological studies prove that visual presentation is very important in human understanding. The different colors and proper labels communicate with the users. Without the distinctive characteristic between the trash bins, confusion and laziness may occur to the users. For the labels, the group wants it to be general and specific. For example, for the plastic (general label) we have Folder, Bond paper, Newspaper, Magazine, etc., as specific labels.
With regards to the color, the trash bins’ color must be near or associated to the color of the trash intended for each bin. Yellow for paper because of association and because it is near to white, which color-use will be inappropriate color because it is simply “trash” and which we usually associate the paper. For the plastics, the color blue will be appropriate. Both blue and plastics are not naturally occurring. The color red is being proposed for other recyclables to complete the three primary colors for the recyclables. And also because it is the bin for cans/metals and glasses which we quite associate hazard. Green is for biodegradables because both of them are naturally occurring. And lastly, black for the residuals or things of no more further use.
Opening. Different openings are being proposed for the purpose of distinction for proper segregation. The openings’ shapes quite represent the shape of waste materials to be placed in the different bins. The opening for both the residuals and the biodegradables is on top for sanitation and convenience purposes, especially when the wastes are wet. A semi-permanent rubber cover is present in the biodegradable trash bin to prevent foul odor dispersion and also for aesthetic purposes.
Aside from these considerations, some factors were also considered that do not need any discussions. Though the trash bin designs may be further improved, the group believes that this design being proposed incorporates more advantages in comparison with the trash bins’ design the university already have in its academic building and dormitories. Strongly, the group believes that this design will make a difference for the conservation of our environment.
Color and Label. The aesthetics is very important in trash can, especially for segregation purposes. Several psychological studies prove that visual presentation is very important in human understanding. The different colors and proper labels communicate with the users. Without the distinctive characteristic between the trash bins, confusion and laziness may occur to the users. For the labels, the group wants it to be general and specific. For example, for the plastic (general label) we have Folder, Bond paper, Newspaper, Magazine, etc., as specific labels.
With regards to the color, the trash bins’ color must be near or associated to the color of the trash intended for each bin. Yellow for paper because of association and because it is near to white, which color-use will be inappropriate color because it is simply “trash” and which we usually associate the paper. For the plastics, the color blue will be appropriate. Both blue and plastics are not naturally occurring. The color red is being proposed for other recyclables to complete the three primary colors for the recyclables. And also because it is the bin for cans/metals and glasses which we quite associate hazard. Green is for biodegradables because both of them are naturally occurring. And lastly, black for the residuals or things of no more further use.
Opening. Different openings are being proposed for the purpose of distinction for proper segregation. The openings’ shapes quite represent the shape of waste materials to be placed in the different bins. The opening for both the residuals and the biodegradables is on top for sanitation and convenience purposes, especially when the wastes are wet. A semi-permanent rubber cover is present in the biodegradable trash bin to prevent foul odor dispersion and also for aesthetic purposes.
Aside from these considerations, some factors were also considered that do not need any discussions. Though the trash bin designs may be further improved, the group believes that this design being proposed incorporates more advantages in comparison with the trash bins’ design the university already have in its academic building and dormitories. Strongly, the group believes that this design will make a difference for the conservation of our environment.
Sources:
- http://datagenetics.com/blog/august12014/index.html
- http://www.facilitiesnet.com/materialhandling/article/Recycling-Container-Considerations-Facility-Management-Material-Handling-Feature--13015
- http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1110058
- http://wasteadvantagemag.com/containers-metal-vs-plastic-dumpsters-upgrading-your-organic-waste-bins/
- http://www.reuseit.com/product-materials/learn-more-the-7-most-common-plastics-and-how-they-are-typically-used.htm
- http://www.emb.gov.ph/portal/Portals/10/proper%20waste%20segragation.pdf
- http://emb.gov.ph/nswmc/pdf/iec/ESWM%20for%20HH.PDF