London’s historic financial district has approved the installation of the Renew Bin. This bomb-proof paper recycling receptacle is also a communication center, able to display public information and advertisements on two screens located at both ends of the unit.
This appears to be an innovative solution to multiple inner city problems: trash and terrorism. The old steel trash cans that populated the city were removed years ago as they presented an inviting place for terrorists to plant explosives. The renew bin was specifically developed to be bomb-proof and tested in the deserts of Mexico to validate the secure design.
The paper recycling feature is a curious addition. Of course, every City and local government wants to be seen as green. The City Of London claims the paper collection will help to remove news print that often litters the streets. The green slot does look appealing however there are countless examples that demonstrate a better way to remove litter is to simply remove trash cans. People will take their trash with them.
The one astonishing fact is the cost. Each Renew Bin costs a whopping $47,000 (US)! So far 25 have been installed, with another 500 on the way. Simple math indicates that this represents a significant investment. Plus, there’s another $790,000 in maintenance fees budgeted over a 21 year period.
It’s reasonable to question how the City of London can afford this extravagant outlay. The good news is that it’s not costing taxpayers anything. This is a public private infrastructure investment. Developers hope to earn a return on their money by selling advertising time. Each unit enjoys foot traffic of 10,000 to 30,000 each day. I can see how that would appeal to any advertiser wanting to connect in a unique way.
With the London 2012 Olympic Games commencing this August I can see how the information screens will be invaluable for millions of tourists. It’s challenging navigating a new city and even more so when the systems are pushed to capacity. Although, I am curious to see if this business model will be successful.
What are your first impressions of the Renew Bin?
London's Communication Recycling Bin - Photo courtesy Renew Solution
London's Renew Bin Recycling Slot - Photo courtesy Renew Solution
They are very modern looking for the historic London views. I wonder if anyone will respect that this is for recyclable goods and not just any trash??
Good point C…. The slot seems to be fairly narrow, so it would be diffiult to throw bulky items in there. I thin the developers are more focused on selling advertising space on this big screens.
I think you had me until you reminded me of the Olympic games. The price does seem excessive, although I see the need for added security. I wonder what kind of ROI is expected from the ads.
I’d like to know more about the numbers too. It’s a massive investment. As well as ads they will display commuter information and other messages from the City. So, I expect some of the revenue to be guaranteed by agreements with local government.
I think these look really cool. I am all for trying anything to get people to recycle more.
Yes, recycling is smart. I read the other day that the recycling rate is just 50% in the US. There’s lots of potential to improve the overall efficiency of our cities by just focusing on improving this and extracting fewer resources from the environment.
I think this is a great idea.
Thanks Michelle. It’s an innovative way to go, no arguments there.
I think they’re kind of cool, but the cost does surprise me.
They do look cool. I like the way super-cities like London, Paris, and New York merge technology with the fantastic architecture. It all adds up to an exciting place to be.
They look too “cool” for a classic London street. The idea of recouping the cost with ads are a good one. If it works out it will be a win-win-win-win (Gov., tax payers, ad companies and the pedestrians) for everyone.
That’s a lot of winning. I hope it’s successful for all concerned.
Wow! That is an awesome bin. Portland has solar powered trash compacting bins. Pretty cool too.
WOW! Solar powered trash compactig bins. That blows me away. I suppose we should be striving to throw away as little as possible, but when you’ve really go to pitch it, that is a cool way to do it.
Wow the price tag! I wonder if they’ll remain after the Olympics. That’s a hefty price to pay for a trash can.
I’m sure they’ll remain. It will take some time to recoup the investment with advertising dollars, I’m sure.
That looks pretty snazzy and I like the idea of the recycling bin. Atlanta went through a major overhaul before we hosted the games too so I don’t think this will be the last of new upgrades for the city.
I was lucky enough to live in Sydney in the five years leading up to the 2000 games. The infrastructure improvements were 1st class. I used to swim at the aquatic center where all the Olympic events were held. Very cool venue.
This is just like the public toilets here in Vancouver. They are paid for by a private company who runs the ads. The problem is that they have little concern about whether it remains functional. With projects like this, I also wonder why the governments can’t pay for it and profit long term themselves through advertising. Governments miss out on so many revenue sources by avoiding advertisements.
They look so cool! It’s kinda sad that they have to worry about bombs and stuff, but it’s a great idea. Selling advertising time could bring in a ton of money and probably cover all the costs.
They look pretty cool and just in time for the Olympics! But what a price tag. Ouch! Would be interesting to re-visit this in a year. Your reach is worldwide Hunter!
The first thing that came to my corrupt mind is now Brits can’t throw up in the bins after the Friday night clubbing. They will do it on the road instead. I was in UK for a year. I witnessed the scenes of Friday night parties.
Hunter,
I am impressed with this innovative approach. It’s best of both worlds considering that cost won’t be taxpayers’ responsibility all the while fostering green city sense.
Shilpan