EcoTRY: A Flexible Recycling Point for Sustainable Living

A Solution Designed by Alex King and Roy Chow

EcoTRY is underpinned by the principles of universal design, ensuring that it requires low physical effort to operate. The main storage box is made of lightweight, weaving recycling plastics, reducing its carbon footprint. The design features an expandable wood desk that provides operators with enough space to engage with the public effectively. It serves as a mini table for conducting questionnaires and other promotion activities.

One of the unique properties of EcoTRY is its ability to provide size adjustment for collection boxes. Each wood cover is closely packed with each other and attached to a metal frame underneath, thanks to a magnetic effect. This allows operators to control the expected amount of waste collected in each waste collecting center, catering to the specific needs of each district. The design also includes adhesive tapes on-site for citizens who often forget to seal batteries for recycling.

EcoTRY's design promotes effective and efficient recycling by separating plastic bottles into their different components (lid, body, and label). This not only benefits the recycling industry but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

The realization of EcoTRY involves the use of reclaimed wood, collected directly from recyclers. This sustainable approach utilizes unused construction materials, such as pine, oak, and walnut, as the outer structural framework. The metal frame with black paint and recyclable weaving material complete the design. The production is supported by a leading furniture manufacturer in China. The first prototype is currently exhibited at a local public garden near a public housing area in Hong Kong.

The dimensions of EcoTRY are 180cm x 100cm x 70cm, providing ample space for waste collection. Its sustainable design and active recycling features make it a perfect fit for sustainable development initiatives. Keywords associated with this design include sustainable development, active recycling, product design, and green design.

EcoTRY was developed by a design team led by Roy Chow, with the support and collaboration of various entities involved in sustainable development. The design allows operators from the Environmental Protection Department to modify the expected quantity and categories of waste collected, depending on the district's recycling strategies and purposes. This flexibility ensures that the design can adapt to the varying densities and needs of different districts in Hong Kong.

The project started in February 2017 and was completed in June 2017. It was a research-based project that utilized a participatory design approach. The design team conducted research with local citizens, street furniture manufacturers, NGOs involved in sustainable development, and other stakeholders to gather insights and promote citizen participation in regular recycling activities. The goal was to create better living cities through sustainable development.

EcoTRY faced challenges during its creation, particularly in the manufacturing process and the limited timeframe. However, the design team overcame these challenges to create a functional and innovative solution for sustainable waste management.

EcoTRY is a copyrighted design by Alex King, 2017. It has received recognition for its excellence and innovation, winning the Iron A' Design Award in the Sustainable Products, Projects, and Green Design category in 2018. This award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.