Title

Recycling Made Easy: An Ergonomic Approach to Home Recycling and Trash Containers

Author(s) Information

Landon P. Boisclair, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis ObispoFollow

Department - Author 1

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Industrial Engineering

Date

2010

Primary Advisor

Reza Pouraghabagher

Abstract/Summary

The purpose of this project is to create an ergonomically sound recycling/trash container, with the ultimate hope of making the recycling process easier and more intuitive, thereby increasing recycling rates. Currently, while there are many recycling/trash containers available for purchase, there is no product that has a design without glaring ergonomic flaws. An ergonomic design and product prototype was created as a part of this project, and was subsequently tested against a conventional prototype model. The data collected from the experiments conducted suggests that the new ergonomic model makes the waste disposal process and the container transportation process easier, while two-thirds of participants said that they would be more likely to recycle if they were to own the ergonomic model over the generic. Combined with economic analysis showing the need for a family of four to increase recycling rates by a mere 3% over the course of a year for the economy to see a full payback on the $50 purchase price, government assistance is recommended for consumers looking to acquire this product.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/imesp/44