The design department of C.F. Møller Architects has designed the City of Copenhagen’s waste sorting points for household waste in urban open spaces to help achieve the City’s 2024 recycling targets.

The three waste solutions share the same form and expression to ensure a recognisable identity across the city for all waste solutions. The product’s character is the result of single-curved surfaces, which for all three solutions meet with the same angles, inclines and curves. This approach supports the City''s desire for scalability, and at the same time helps reduce the apparent volume of each unit so that each waste solution appears smaller than it is and is easier to move around.

Visibility and integration

Each waste solution has the same appearance, whatever type, with a slot hidden behind a lid. Each is operated in the same way and looks alike. Accordingly, the graphics of the front and not the shape of the slot will clearly communicate the function to the user and how the slot works. This approach will help ensure the desired balance between the need for visibility and the gentle integration into urban open spaces. At the same time, the top-hinged and self-closing lid minimises some of the challenges such as water ingress, odours, fireworks, etc., which are often associated with waste solutions in the city. The waste sorting points are designed around a closed shape and a unique form, which transforms the waste solutions from being a predominantly technical product to also having sculptural qualities that enrich the cityscape and promote a feeling of security. The concept supports the special identity of Copenhagen and becomes a design experience for the city''s citizens and users.