Working with SWIFT IoT on their grant-funded trial we designed and built weight and volume sensors to retrofit to EN840 trade and recycling bins with embedded Internet of Things (IoT) technology. These sensors provide waste management organisations with vital information about their waste assets in the field, in real time.

Building from human-centred design insights we generated a number of design concepts, using the constraints of retrofitting to commercial waste bins as inspiration. We then undertook some early experimentation to assess the feasibility of measuring weight and volume through different sensing technologies, before settling on a functioning typology. We created a custom injection-moulded casing as part of the scale-up process and deployed the first batch at Liverpool Street in London.

A strong, robust brand identity

We created a tough, pragmatic brand to fit seamlessly alongside the suite of SWIFT IoT products. The yellow and grey colour palette brings a sense of reliability and safety to the product range, while also brightening up the bins, not always the most appealing of urban objects.