Industrial - Bachelors

Compacta Bin

With the combined effect of urbanisation and growing popularity of nature-based tourism, the improvement of waste management in National Parks is becoming a pressing issue. A large contributor to this scattered litter is the overflowing of rubbish skips located near these areas. The Compacta bin is designed to compact the waste of travellers to make carrying and storing waste tidier and more practical.

Drew Boniface

The Problem

The escalating urbanisation and the surging interest in nature-based tourism have highlighted the importance of enhancing waste management practices. A significant factor contributing to the generation of litter in these areas is the overflow of waste skips designated for visitors use. While these bins are designed to facilitate clean disposal of unwanted items, they are ill-equipped to handle the mounting waste produced. Consequently, these skips inadvertently pollute the very locations they are intended to keep pristine. The scattered debris poses not only aesthetic problems but also potentially causes hazardous situations for both wildlife and visitors, underscoring the critical need for sustainable waste management solutions in nature-centric tourist destinations.

Research

View Research Report

Primary research in the form of surveys and interviews was conducted. From this research, a breakdown of the user demographic to campers between the ages of 18-55, as those above this age had more refined waste management systems in permanent camping methods such as motorhomes and RVs. Going into the product design the issues that were looking to be resolved were the volume or size of the waste people are producing, a reduction in the odour that can be produced and a better alternative to plastic bags that often rip, blow over and spill. It was also desirable that it was tamper-proof from wildlife.

The Product: Compacta Bin

Solution

The solution I have produced is a compacting travel bin designed to compress rubbish placed within, reducing the size and volume of the waste.
This not only makes it transportation of this rubbish easier but also means your rubbish will be taking up less space within the skips provided by the national parks. With compacted waste being placed in these skips the likelihood of them overflowing is greatly reduced.
A feature of its design is that it also compacts to a small size allowing it to be easily stored or transported when not in use.

Context Image: Storage in Ute canopy

Functions & Features

Compacting Mechanism

– Allows for consistent applied force across the top of the rubbish when compacting

– Greater stability when compacting compared to other methods

– Lid and base are reinforced with steel plating to handle the stresses of the compacting action

Collapsing inner lining

– Collapses with the compression of the bin allowing for convenient storage

– The durable lining prevents the spillage of rubbish through splits

– It is liquid tight providing easier containment of rubbish fluids

– Removable – allowing for emptying of rubbish and thorough cleaning.

Magnetic Features

Dimensions & SPecifications

Drew Boniface

Drew is a dedicated designer currently pursuing a dual degree in Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering, his hands-on approach infuses creativity with technical precision. He is passionate about crafting innovative solutions and products for a dynamic future.