The NoiseBin is an exciting new way to recycle Containers for Change, through an interactive sculpture.

It was designed by year 6 and 7 students from Darlington and built by local engineers and artisans who volunteered their services.

The NoiseBin has a sophisticated control system to reward your containers with a sound (and soon light!) show. Depositors now hear a response from one of several sound programmes, including:

• funky club beatz (if you only have one or two containers, the cut-price option!)
• the "I'm Going to Eat You All Up" theme from local composer and sound designer Emma Crawford.
• "Random Cultural Exchange" where you get 30 seconds of music from somewhere in the world

Special consideration has been given to access for small children and people with disabilities. Approach the top intake from the Sports Pavilion verandah!

More information is available about the project and the Darlington people supporting it.

We are also happy to share how we built our sculpture and the sophisticated sound + light controller inside it. Email us for details!

Opportunities for Young People

We are partnering with Darlington Arts Festival's young artist programme to give young people help to make their own changes and improvements to the NoiseBin. Are you a maker or an artist?

We can offer mentoring and workshop access for metalwork, sound design, coding and electronics and we have a pile of wild ideas set aside. Get in touch!

If you are a backyard Maker, Artist or Science Nerd, we would love to hear from you

The Community Garden welcomes helpers who want to green the (currently hot dry) environment around the NoiseBin. They are also growing the container recycling scheme. Help them create a sustainable Darlington!

The Build

The NoiseBin was installed in April 2024, and the 'brainz' wired in in October.

These photos show the work progressing from frame to finish (spot the local celebrities!).