Member-only story
The User Experience of Restaurant Garbage Bins
Designing garbage bins to facilitate proper trash disposal
I am a huge fan of fast-casual food. It is not the most economical eating method, but it saves me time, and it ensures I do not waste food.
Since I frequent fast-casual restaurants, I have witnessed the slow installment of better waste management practices over the past couple of years. Generic trash cans have been replaced with multiple bins, sometimes with supporting, informational designs.
However, I oftentimes stand in front of these bins, confused about what should go where. Now I admit I am fairly ignorant when it comes to recycling practices, but I can ensure you there are others out there that are just as oblivious as me.
Below I categorize waste management systems in Boston and San Francisco and attempt to highlight “new user” insights— which could lead to better design. 💪
The bare minimum
This is literally one step above the generic metal cans with black trash bags.
