My earlier post on the misleading (confusing) trash can I came across at a Starbucks needs to be updated.
Recycle Collection Can at PDX
On my way back after attending the UPA 2009 conference in Portland, I saw a similar recycle bin at the Portland PDX airport. I think I might have misunderstood the intended use of the complicated trash can at Starbucks. First of all, the one I saw at Starbucks should not have been used as a trash can because it is supposed to be used as a recycle bin. Second of all, in spite of how it appeared, the different slots on the cover are not to separate the items as they are collected. They are simply supposed to indicate what kinds of material are to be put into these bins for recycling.
My problem is no longer only with Starbucks for using the wrong bin to collect trash, they were clearly improvising for the lack of a regular trash can.
So theoretically, if your newspaper is rolled up, it doesn’t make a difference if you slide it into the round hole that says “cans & plastic bottles”/”no cups” or if you unroll it and slide it into the slot that says “newspaper & magazines”. But for those that are responsible enough to seek out a recycle bin to dispose of your newspaper, doesn’t it make you feel like you have to slide it into the proper slot? Definitely more work than slipping it into a bin with a single opening. The worst part is, it doesn’t even matter which one you put it into! The bin I saw at Sarbucks is even worse because it has 3 openings, differentiating Glass, Aluminium Cans and Newspapers.
Recycle/Trash Bin at CTL
On the same trip while in transit at the Charlotte CLT airport, I came across a much better designed recycle/trash can that not only required much less work for the user but also accomplished a further step. This one is easier to use because it is easier to understand and is marked more clearly. While it required less work for the user it also sorted the paper from the plastics. One improvement I would suggest is to put the recycle symbol on the ‘Plastic’ compartment as well. Otherwise, better design, better experience and less confusion for the users. All with more functionality.
August 24th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
I liked the simplicity of this one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/askrom/3702125944/
October 3rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Thanks for sharing Chris. That does seem like a simple solution. However, it is difficult to see in the image if each of those compartments can be removed separately. Since bags are not an option with it’s design, I was just wondering how the emptying process happens. Unless the two sections can be separated, it looks like emptying this would be challenging while keeping trash and recycles from mixing.
April 2nd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Fantastic site, where did you come up with the information in this post? I’m pleased I found it though, ill be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.