The Problem
Recyclables Going To Landfill
Currently, a significant portion of transient recyclable waste (i.e. newspapers and
beverage containers) is being landfilled.
The recyclable material is either swept and collected along the commuter journey, or
collected within poorly maintained waste receptacles which are inherently unsafe.
The recyclables in most instances end in landfills.
The Problem
Suspicious Packages
As the most common street furniture, waste receptacles have historically represented a security
concern to major financial, retail and transport hubs.
Threats from improvised explosive devices (IED) in waste receptacles continue to plague most
international centres including London, Paris and Tokyo.
Their inherent risk has resulted in the reduction and removal of waste receptacles, which has
resulted in additional street litter and increased resources dedicate to street cleansing.
A more sustainable solution is required.
The Problem
A Low Priority Investment
Waste receptacles deployed in urban centres are typically built and maintained on a limited budget.
In many instances made out of plastic, the high level of wear and tear, combined with the low
level of maintenance, requires authorities to adopt a high replacement rate for what typically
appear as unsightly units.
The waste receptacle becomes waste.
The Problem
Communication Gap
The majority of pedestrians in city centres are not residents, but simply walking through.
This results in a growing communication gap between an increasingly transient population
and authorities; a problem further frustrated by the high turnover of residency in dense
urban areas.
This lack of interaction affects both general awareness of public services, and in
emergencies, becomes a critical lack in public infrastructure where delivering real-time
updates to the street could have potentially life saving implications.