The City of Edmonton has established several drop-off services, including Community Recycling Depots, Eco Stations, and Big Bin Events, to aid in the disposal of residential waste. We studied the user experience of these drop-off sites in an effort to understand how information design impacts the way people use these services. Our goal is to improve the user experience of waste drop-off facilities through the creation and implementation of efficient, effective, and informative site signage.
Eco Stations allow residents to dispose of oversize waste, household hazardous waste, and recyclables throughout the year. Clarity has been added to the waste fees signage by separating free items from paid items and utilizing iconography. Bin signs are larger and offer more contrast, and a wayfinding map helps users navigate the site.
Community Recycling Depots are unsupervised, 24hr sites that allow residents to dispose of household recycling. Bin labels are more descriptive about accepted items, while introductory signage is straightforward and action-oriented to prevent message fatigue.
Big Bin Events allow residents to dispose of large household items at no cost throughout the spring and summer. Sandwich boards give users information and instructions prior to entering the big bin site, entry and exit signage utilize human-centered language.
Research methods used: literature review, ethnographic research at Community Recycling Depots, expert interviews, precedent analysis, and surveys to refine new signage solutions.
