2013 UC Merced Research Enterprise Book

Round, Multisection Recycle Bin

z These containers can be constructed from several materials, such as wood, plastic, metal, etc.

z The all-in-one design precludes the need for multiple receptacles, resulting in space and cost savings.

Background In addition to growing concerns and awareness of the environment, American society is increasingly turning to recycling and composting common trash to alleviate rapidly diminishing landfill space as well as to reclaim and reuse valuable materials. Although special containers for recyclable and compostable trash are now commonplace, individual containers are intended for single-waste forms, and are not practical in many settings where different types of waste are generated. The rare containers intended to collect different types of trash in a single unit are bulky, immobile, ugly and are rarely intuitive, leaving the average user unclear as how to properly segregate trash. Further, existing containers are mostly intended for placement against a wall, away from traffic flow, where they’re not as useful. Description In response to a high percentage of recyclable trash being disposed of in landfill-destined waste containers, UC Merced staff members ERIC SCOTT and MATT HIROTA collabo- rated to design a three-sectioned portable container that could be used in crowded pub- lic areas that experience a lot of foot traffic. This container is a handsome, highly visible, all-in-one waste receptacle with three divisions for different types of the most commonly generated refuse: landfill trash, recyclable material and compostable waste. The divisions are identified by color-coding, pictures and naming, allowing the casual, and often hur- ried, user to easily select the correct hole in which to dispose of refuse. The container is also mobile, allowing it to be easily moved to different areas as foot traffic patterns shift.

Applications z High volume, high foot-traffic areas, where food is typically served, such as fairgrounds, convention halls, transportation centers/hubs, schools, theaters, malls, sporting events, etc; z Areas where having several containers, each for a different form of waste, is either impractical or aesthetically unappealing; z Smaller-sized versions can be made for preschools/kindergartens so children can learn recycling at an early age. The prototype containers were manu- factured locally by Great Spaces USA in Merced. Licensing discussions are un- derway to grant Great Spaces USA the exclusive right to make and sell these containers in the United States. In addition, the inventors are working with Great Spaces USA to design an all-metal variant for use outdoors. We have received purchase inquiries from other institutions from across the coun- try. A United States design patent was recently issued for the container.

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