The Importance of Accessibility in Waste & Recycling Programs.
Here at Smartbin.io, our focus has always been on using technology to improve waste management systems, making for more efficient cleaning and improved recycling processes. We’re now expanding on this vision by stocking an accessibility product that helps visually impaired locate and participate in waste and recycling programs.
Accessibility should be a priority for all facility management teams, no matter the nature of the facility. Creating a convenient experience for as many guests as possible is not just about good guest relations - it’s simply the right thing to do.
When it comes to waste management in a facility, it’s crucial to make your bins easy to use. The easier it is to use, the more likely it is that people will use it correctly. This minimizes mess and waste contamination.
Here’s why accessibility is so important to waste management, and how WasteFinder can help you.
Why your bins need to be accessible
Managing a facility means prioritizing accessibility. Whether that facility is a stadium, airport, or mall, it needs to be accessible to all people.
Those who don’t have disabilities might not realize how inaccessible the average facility is. Everyday things that many people don’t notice, from small steps outside a facility to narrow entryways, can become a problem for people who use mobility devices or are visually impaired.
When it comes to accessibility, most people might think about wheelchair-friendly ramps and bathroom facilities - but accommodations shouldn’t stop there. Waste and recycling facilities are something we use every day, but are seldom made to be accessible.
As a result, visually impaired people, in particular, might face challenges when disposing of trash. This is particularly an issue when you have separate receptacles for normal trash and recyclables. These bins are usually annotated by a sign, and visually impaired people might not be able to see it.
Braille is not always an option for signs on bins - nobody wants to touch the face of a bin, especially not since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic.
Inaccessible bins are not only a huge inconvenience for the visually impaired. They may also create issues for your facility. Waste contamination - when a non-recyclable item is thrown away with recyclable items - means that the whole batch typically can’t be recycled. This is bad news for the environment as well as your facility’s sustainability efforts.
One way to reduce the risk of waste contamination is to make it as easy as possible for your patrons to dispose of trash in the correct receptacle. This includes making it easy for visually impaired people to use your bins correctly. Without accessible bins, the risk of waste contamination increases.
How can we make bins more accessible?
A lack of bin accessibility is a huge problem for facilities and their guests - but what’s the solution? This is where the accessible smart bin comes in.
We have partnered with STIL Solutions to bring you WasteFinder, a revolutionary new approach to making bins more accessible. WasteFinder is a kind of vinyl flooring that is installed around bins. The WasteFinder system is made up of two kinds of indicators: the Vicinity Indicators and the Stream Indicators.
A smart bin with wastefinder floor indication is shown.
The Vicinity Indicators let users know that they’re near bins. Users can feel the unique shapes on the floor around the bin using their feet or a cane. This helps them find the bin more easily.
The Stream Indicators - which are raised symbols on the floor - tell users which bin they’re in front of. Different symbols are used to note organic waste, recyclables, and regular rubbish. This helps visually impaired users know exactly where to put their waste.
WasteFinder is made of flexible, non-slip vinyl. Thanks to its UV coating, it can be used outdoors and indoors. The indicators are designed so that water and dirt drains away instead of pooling. It’s also really easy to maintain: they’re easy to clean, and tough enough to withstand floor cleaners and harsh cleaning chemicals.
WasteFinder was created by Hillary Scanlon, a young entrepreneur with a passion for accessibility and sustainability. Scanlon noticed that being able to recycle one’s waste is not nearly as accessible as it should be. She conceptualized WasteFinder and, together with STIL Solutions and CleanRiver, brought her dream of accessible recycling facilities to life.
WasteFinder can be applied to regular bins and smart bins. In combination with our smart bins, the WasteFinder can significantly improve your facility’s waste management system, boost customer satisfaction, and reduce waste contamination. This is great for your guests, your facility, and the environment as a whole.
Graphical summary of the key benefits of accessible smart bins
The benefits of accessible smart bins
By installing accessible bins, you’ll be creating a facility that is more inclusive and easier to use. You’re making it possible for visually impaired people to dispose of their trash independently and correctly. This is a win for patrons and facility management.
When you create a more accessible disposal system, you’re benefiting in the following ways:
You lower the risk of waste contamination. The person will know exactly where to throw their trash, minimizing the chance of it ending up in the wrong bin.
In turn, you’ll be increasing the amount of recyclable materials your facility produces, which diverts waste from landfills and lowers your facility’s carbon footprint.
This can save money, as it’s typically cheaper to get rid of recyclables than to send rubbish to the landfill.
Because the bins are easy for everyone to use, you’ll reduce the chances of mess and littering, which can be both an eyesore and a source of odor.
You’re improving your facility’s relations with the disabled community by making their experience as convenient as possible.
When paired with the technology of our regular smart bin, this accessible smart bin has the power to maximize waste diversion and reduce contamination and mess. By making your bins more accessible, you’ll be benefiting your facility’s guests, the environment, and your facility itself.
A bin is something that every facility guest will probably use at some point - so why not make your bins accessible to all guests, no matter their ability range or accessibility needs?
Our new product makes it easier than ever to boost your facility’s accessibility. It’s a wise investment that can improve your guests’ experiences and minimize waste contamination. If you’re ready to prioritize responsible waste management as well as accessibility, shop our smart bin store today to see our range of technologically capable bins.
