Underground waste container

Intuitive waste container

Municipality of Rotterdam

Underground waste containers

Past experiences with waste containers in large cities, such as problems when placing the containers side-by-side, anonymous dumping and inconveniently placed and overfull containers were the starting point for the development of the new underground waste containers for the city of Rotterdam.
Often, only technical system solutions (such as electronic sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity and on-demand collection service) are used to increase the ease of use of waste containers. Our solution, on the other hand, focused on realising a unique basic shape and volume that is clear and inviting to use and is also in keeping with the Rotterdam Style that we had already developed for the city’s street furniture.

Intuitive design

The above-ground element with its cylindrical shape is tilted and clearly shows, even from a distance, on which side the insertion opening is located and how to approach the container. The surface on the top of the container that tapers towards the user is fitted with a solar panel and electronic sensors and extends in a rounded corner to the openings for the various types of waste. Research and feedback from residents show that this shape works well intuitively.

Sustainable and circular

The shape and volume study resulted in an inviting and easy-to-use basic shape with a unique visual language that fits into the Rotterdam street scene as part of the street furniture rather than as an obstacle on the pavement.