Streetscape recycling behaviour change

collaborators: Louise St. Pierre, Andreas Eiken
PROMOTERS: Metro Vancouver, UBC Brain and Attention Research Lab
FUNDERS: Metro Vancouver
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Peter Cech, Alex Digiacomo

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CONTEXT

Metro Vancouver is a governing body that oversees 22 different municipalities. Public space recycling streams (paper, containers, and compost) in the region are contaminated and end up in the landfill. There is currently no consistency in recycling approaches.

THE PROJECT

The project is focused on how we might establish better recycling habits in citizens. The framework for the project is rooted in behavior change theory stating that behavior is based on motivation, ability and triggers. The research partnership with Metro Vancouver focuses on the design triggers, or physical touch points, for the general public.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Workshop with waste co-ordinators from municipalities -‘Day in the life’ with city garbage man -Early prototype testing with psychology department at UBC -Co-creation workshop with stakeholders -Instal prototype iteration in three municipalities for observation and effectiveness

GOVERNANCE AND POLICY MAKING

Public space -Municipal participation The project is funded by Metro Vancouver, a public institution. A majority of municipalities in the region are engaged in the process through workshops and co-ordination of installations.

ACTIVISM AND CIVIC PARTICIPATION

Citizens engaged in behaviour change Citizens are participating in the recycling process on a daily basis, learning through the design and changing behaviour over time and learned experience.

CITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING

Strategic placement in the city The goal of the project is to create a consistency in the public recycling experience throughout the municipalities in the region. The design of recycling stations is accompanied by instructions about strategic placement of stations within the urban setting.

PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSUMPTION

One solution part of a bigger problem Recycling waste that we create everyday is fixing the symptom of a larger problem. Helping people to recycle effectively is the beginning of an understanding of the larger problems like overconsumption and disposability. This project acts as the first touchpoint for the general public.

STORYTELLING AND VISUALIZATION

Beyond the recycling station into knowledge building Beyond making the recycling experience as clear and easy as possible, one of the projects main insight’s is the need for education and understanding of recycling holistically by citizens. Challenging consumption and the larger problems we face with waste begins with an understanding of what we are doing now.