The NoiseBin came out of work by fifty young Darlington people participating in community design workshops in 2021 and 2022.
These designers imagined an exciting, interactive Containers For Change bin, that would draw reduce litter and encourage recycling.
They were inspired by the World's Deepest Rubbish Bin in Sweden, built for the 1990s' Rolighetsteorin (Fun Theory) campaign by Volkswagen.
In the video, playing a simple sound effect catches the attention of people around the bin, resulting in less litter.
Our design team had so many good ideas, we felt it would be a shame to choose just one.
The first NoiseBin incorporates seven of the 'Most Awesome Ideas' they came up with, and allows for more ideas to be added over time.
To allow the NoiseBin to evolve and grow, we have built a small controller (computer) into it which can be re-programmed to play new sounds and new behaviours
This will allow the community to modify and extend the NoiseBin into the future.
How Does It Work?
A lockable door on one side will enable a standard Containers For Change MGB 240 recycling bin to be placed inside.
An opening for depositing containers will be within a child's reach, and another at balcony height which people in a wheelchair can access.
Containers can be dropped into either inlet, and will slide down and drop into the bin inside.
The NoiseBin controller will respond with a short burst of sound to celebrate!
Sensors
When a container is inserted in one of the inlet tubes, it briefly blocks a light beam as it is passing through.
The controller software can sense this and start a sound playing, or turn on some LED lights - or both!
The controller also monitors an ultrasonic sensor mounted outside on the sculpture.
If a person approaches the NoiseBin this sensor will alert the controller, which can then play a welcoming sound.
The controller also has the ability to sense weather conditions, such as temperature and humidity through other sensors. More about this later!