Collaboration model for increased w aste sorting in crow ded city centres

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project was to identify and test solutions for increased waste management in old dense city centers through collaboration, applied on Kvarnholmen in Kalmar. Researchers, municipality, property owners, waste management company and an architect firm together identified two ideas (an adapted waste room and colored bags for different waste fractions) that eventually could reduce the difficulties experienced.

Expected results and effects

In the project a concept with colored bags were tested in two properties, where results indicate that this solution increase the sorting rate. In interviews the residents said that they thought they sorted better. The effect of the discussed waste room could not be evaluated due to the project economic limitation and the timeframe, however the design and a prototype were developed. A guide for collaboration within local waste issues was made and could be used by the municipality nevertheless of other stakeholders in the waste management.

Planned approach and implementation

Initiators held a preparatory meeting and four workshops with other stakeholders involved in the waste management in Kvarnholmen. In workshop 1 solutions for better waste sorting to test during the project was discussed. In workshop 2 timeline and division of labour were set and in workshop 3 ongoing work were evaluated, and possible obstacles discussed. In workshop 4 results were presented and the group´s continued collaboration discussed. In addition to the workshops for collaboration, continuous practical collaboration between participants carried out through the process.