Titan Environmental Ltd asked RNIB to assess their bin lids designed to help blind and partially sighted people.
Background
Titan recognised that the current system of households having colour-coded bins for waste was difficult for blind and partially sighted people to use. Titan's solution was to make a minor alteration to the bin lid that would enable people to identify their bins based on tactile information.
Working with RNIB
The simple solution proposed by Titan was reviewed by RNIB specialists and then tested with groups of users. At each stage of the evaluation recommendations for improvement were put forward to Titan. These recommendations were incorporated into the design before the product progressed to the next stage.
Feedback from users identified two key areas of concern. These were the size of the notches and the finish achieved during the production process. Once we were happy with the modifications made, RNIB awarded Titan an official approval allowing them to use our logo and an agreed strapline for promotional purposes.
Benefits for the user
The Government is keen to encourage all residents to take part in recycling schemes across the UK. Since these schemes all rely on a system of colour coded bins, blind and partially sighted people are disadvantaged by not being able to identify the different bins they need. Therefore, they could potentially face fines for incorrect use.
Some comments made during the testing with RNIB were
"Very useful, especially for people losing their sight later in life."
"Glad somebody has come up with something, especially because of night blindness."
This issue is particularly relevant to people with "night blindness" who are unable to distinguish colours in low light conditions but may have good sight otherwise. Currently most blind and partially sighted people rely on a sighted friend or are forced to develop their own system based on memorising the positions of their bins.
Titan's redesigned bin lid allows blind and partially sighted people to identify their bins independently, making it easier for them to take part in recycling schemes. Comments from users include:
What did Titan's customers think?
Garry Knighton, Waste Operations Manager, South Kesteven District Council and one of Titan's customers said:
"The small adaptation to the conventional bin lid is a significant help to our blind and partially sighted residents. Being able to distinguish between the two bins enables all to actively take part in our recycling scheme."
More about Titan Environmental
Titan Environmental Ltd is a division of the International Kingspan Group PLC and prides itself on its quality, innovation, environmental awareness and customer relations. Titan brands such as MGB Waste Systems lead the way with wheeled bins and recycling banks.
In addition to the supply of domestic wheeled bins, MGB Waste Systems provide a complete package of services to ensure the successful implementation of wheeled bin schemes. Testament to this fact is that MGB wheeled bins are in regular use in over 4 million households across the UK and Ireland.
Further information is available from Titan:
Telephone 01709 538300
Email rotherham@titanenv.com
Contact us
RNIB Disability Access Services
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
Phone: 01733 37 53 70