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Optimization of the waste bag replacement workflow for public bins in the City of Zurich, Switzerland
Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ) manages more than 4100 public waste bins of different designs throughout the city of Zurich. Considering the large number of waste containers that get emptied every day, efficient workflows are extremely important. In the case of the public waste bins, the removal of full bags and the replacement of new bags in the waste receptacles is time-consuming and inefficient. While the full bag can be removed rather easily, the placing of the new bag can be a cumbersome process. ERZ strives to continuously improve ergonomics and optimize the workflows. Therefore, it is investigating better solutions for the bag replacement cycle.
In collaboration with ERZ the current bag replacement workflows and procedures should be analyzed for different bin types. According to the outcome of the analysis, simple functional prototypes should be developed for the most pressing problems.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible to:
- Analyze the full scope of Zürich’s public waste bin types and determine the specific problems
- Evaluate the necessity of implementing changes for the replacement procedures
- Develop suitable designs of tools, processes, etc. to improve the ergonomics for the most problematic bin types, especially focusing on the new bin designs
- Prototype suitable design(s)
- Test and evaluate the prototype(s) at site with the workers of ERZ
- Carry out a cost-benefit analysis in order to make recommendations for ERZ
This research looks for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in design and hands-on production, and experience with process development.
In collaboration with ERZ the current bag replacement workflows and procedures should be analyzed for different bin types. According to the outcome of the analysis, simple functional prototypes should be developed for the most pressing problems.
In the course of the project, the student will be responsible to:
- Analyze the full scope of Zürich’s public waste bin types and determine the specific problems
- Evaluate the necessity of implementing changes for the replacement procedures
- Develop suitable designs of tools, processes, etc. to improve the ergonomics for the most problematic bin types, especially focusing on the new bin designs
- Prototype suitable design(s)
- Test and evaluate the prototype(s) at site with the workers of ERZ
- Carry out a cost-benefit analysis in order to make recommendations for ERZ
This research looks for a Masters-level mechanical engineering student, for this thesis project, with skills in design and hands-on production, and experience with process development.
Advisor: Andreas Lindau (ERZ)
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
**Contact information:**
Name:Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Tilley
Email: tilleye@ethz.ch