User-driven service innovation for a car-independent, inclusive and resource intelligent waste system

Important results from the project

The aim was to contribute to a car independent, efficient and more inclusive waste management system (WMS). This has been done through project partners in the project gaining a deeper understanding of how the design of the traditional WMS prevents citizens from equal access to the WMS. With the developed and tested prototype, the project demonstrated that the WMS frames are not fixed and that it is possible to add services not relying on car ownership that has the added bonus of making a positive contribution to the social cohesion of a neighborhood.

Expected long term effects

The result is a developed and tested prototype of the service ReturCykeln. The test was mainly conducted in Norrby, with mostly high-rise residential buildings. The service was also tested in Brämhult (mostly singlefamily houses) and in the residential areas of Alideberg and Östermalm in Borås. During the test over 2 tonnes of bulky waste was collected and delivered at a recycling and an upcycling plant. Without the much of the waste would not have been properly handled. The service worked equally well in for residents in council flats as in for those in home ownerships and terraced houses

Approach and implementation

The project operated mainly in Norrby and made use of networks through Innovatonsplattform Borås but was also able to establish and build new networks in Norrby. This was crucial for gaining access to user perspectives and a deep understanding of user needs regarding the service. Norm critical innovation methods were used in parallel to design thinking processes. The efficiency of the service was measured by Borås University. The project success was largely affected by the participation of the project partners in performing the service during the test.

External links

Videopresentation av projektet i samband med Almedalen 2018