Abfallwirtschaft der Zukunft: Designaspekte für Abfalltrennung im öffentlichen Raum

Waste from public spaces is gaining attention due to its visibility and the valuable resources it contains. However, there is a lack of data and research that examines the waste characteristics and considers the diverse needs of the actors involved (providers, maintenance, consumers). This study centers on how a waste separation system in public spaces can be designed by identifying key influencing factors. Based on an interdisciplinary research project, a catalogue with configuration recommendations was developed, divided into three main areas: location, container design, and information and communication. In terms of location, factors such as movement pathways, sorting fractions as well as existing surrounding infrastructure are relevant. In terms of container design, the emphasis is on functionality and the use of familiar, clearly labelled containers that users can easily handle. Communication and information are crucial for motivating consumers to separate their waste correctly, with simple and easy-to-understand labelling. Despite representing a small proportion of total municipal waste, public waste is of particular importance due to its high recyclable content and visibility, which strongly influences public perception on waste separation. The study also highlights challenges, especially in establishing waste separation as a social norm in public spaces. The findings emphasize the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that integrates insights from waste management, social sciences, and design to develop sustainable solutions and promote waste separation in public spaces.