We all recycle...when it's convenient. But there are a ton of inefficiencies in the recycling process. These inefficiencies ad up to increased costs of recycling and decreased recycling rates. The whole thing gets too confusing for some people, especially the many-numbered plastics. Does my local recycling plant take 6's or just 2's and 4's.
It sure would be easier if there were a way for a robot to do all of this for us. Unfortunately, Honda's Asimo (pictured) isn't ready for primetime. But the Barcode Trashcan by designer Woo Seok Park is a step in the right direction.
Wave the item in front of the barcode and the correct lid opens. Sorting Simplified!
Most products have a barcode attached that has a numeric value and the trashcan can read the barcode and open the correct lid. No more tossing in bottles where plastic goes and bubblewrap in with cardboard.
It's a great idea for items like soft and hard plastic and bottles. For recyclables like newspapers or paper which don't have barcodes, the Barcode Trashcan assumes you can figure it out yourself. It's still in the concept phase now, and I'd like to see a bunch more automation in the process. But until we all get little robot helpers...something's gotta simplify life.
Via shinyshiny
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written by Jessi, May 23, 2008
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