1.1 Design Specification for a Multi-purpose Recycling Bin.

William Kennedy
Student No: 0726885

1.1.1 Primary Market

• Families/Home Owners

1.1.2 Secondary Market

• Owners of public spaces such as Schools, Colleges and Parks.

1.1.3 Assumptions

• That users understand the concept of separation of waste for recycling.

• Provide an obvious method to separate the waste.

• Provide a simple, clean way to remove bin/recycling bags.

• Provide a cleaning facility for recyclable objects.

1.1.4 Recycling Bin Users will be

• Families

• Children

• Students

• University Grounds Staff.

1.1.5 Functional Criteria

• Allow easy replacement of bin/recycling bags.

• Allow easy removal of bin/recycling bags.

• Provide a simple way to seal such bags.

• An easy to clean interior, made of wipeable plastic.

• Separate slots to be provided for Cans, Paper, Plastics, Glass and Wet Waste.

• Separate bag holder beneath each.

 • A sink and tap should be provided, attached to the unit, which can be powered
by connection to either the water mains or a water tank stowed beneath it.

• A separate water tank is provided for waste water, if not connected to a waste
drain.

• The user will use the unit from the front.

• An electronic display will notify the user when the bin bags need to be
replaced.

1.1.6 Use / Modes of Operation

• The Recycling Unit will be usable as a replacement for current household

waste bins.

• The Unit promotes environmental consciousness.

• The Unit aids in the correct cleaning and separation of waste.

• The top of the Unit stands at just over 900mm, the same height as the average
kitchen counter, to fit in with the existing environment and promote good
posture and form while using the machine.

• A sink/washing area to be provided, attached to the left of the bins for easy
cleaning of recyclable materials.

• The Unit will take five average black plastic or recycling bags.

• A sealing tape is to be attached to the unit just below the sink for easy sealing
of bags.

• The unit should be sturdy and capable of maintaining it's position once
installed in a location.

• An electronic notifier will let the user know when to change the bags.

1.1.7 Environmental Conditions

• The Unit will be installed alongside standard kitchen furniture and work
surfaces and therefore must be able to fit in to this environment.
 • The Unit will also be installed in stand-alone positions inside the university.

• The Unit will be used in an indoor environment, placed on a flat surface.

• The components will be mostly plastic, to allow for easy cleaning and a
minimum of degradation because of rust and other environmental conditions.

1.1.8 Performance Criteria

• The bags will be hanging from the top of the unit and not touching either the
sides or bottom of the unit, to minimise noise levels and breaking of glass
while using the unit.

• A weight sensor attached to the top of each bin inside the unit will connect to
the electronic display and notify the user when the bags must be replaced.

1.1.9 Durability and Reliability

• The components of the Unit to withstand reasonable wear and tear.

• The Unit to be rugged and durable in design.

• The Units’ components to be capable of enduring continuous usage without

maintenance for up to three years.

• The unit to be made of easily cleanable plastics where possible.

• Metal components to be kept to a minimum.

1.1.10Adaptability

• The tap on the sink unit to be raised or lowered to accommodate the user.

• The top of the unit to be raised or sunk by up to 60mm depending on the users
preference. Min Height 900mm.

1.1.11Physical Properties

• The unit to fit into a standard kitchen set-up.

• The unit will not exceed the average width of a kitchen counter (600mm Max.)

• The unit will take up the minimum footprint while not in use and will be a
seamless part of the kitchen.
1.1.12Product Aesthetics

• The unit to be designed to evoke a 'Green', professional aesthetic.

• The unit will be mostly coloured white to fit in with similar 'white goods'
within a kitchen, while the top counter will be a natural shade of green to
promote the environmental aspect of the unit.

• The aesthetic of the unit to provoke a sense of premium to the user.

• The adjectives most prominently associated with the Unit will be: Smooth,
soft, clean, hygenic, pure, neat, tidy and 'green'.

• The materials and design should evoke a thoroughly modern, almost high tech
futuristic feel.

1.1.13Interface Requirements

• The separate bin slots to be big enough to take all average kitchen waste. Min
Diameter 100mm.

• The electronic interface to be clean and easy to read, should evoke the sense of
a futuristic interface but be very easy to use. A simple reset button and
notification display.

• Aural feedback when a bag needs to be changed which can easily be disabled
if the user wishes.

1.1.14Safety

• The Unit to be designed to allow users safety from sharp edges, pinching and
pointed components.

• Minimum of moving components.

• Bag sealing tape to be kept at a height to discourage use by children.

Childproof lock to be placed over it when not in use.

• Front of unit to contain a lock to prevent children and animals from opening
the unit.