Recycling can be quick, easy and clean.

Case Study #3

GREEN@COMMUNITY

Background

Since the 2000s, a multitude of Community Recycling Centres (CRC) initiated by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have been set up in Hong Kong to collect recyclables. These CRCs were managed by different NGO groups at their own discretion with limited guidance on form and experiences, resulting in a loose group of individual centres working in the most “efficient” ways.

Objective

The core objective of the proposed design was to simplify the experience to the greatest extent possible. The initiative is unprecedented, not only did we refresh the spatial experience of these stores, rather, the overall brand is streamlined and incorporated into the entire governmental recycling network, including the educational “Recycling Stations,” the more accessible “Recycling Stores’’ and flexible street booths “Recycling Spots.”

Inspiration

The world’s first convenience store

Our Idea

Convenience store of RECYCLING

Concept

The concept is to become your friendly and trustworthy neighbours, positioning as convenience stores of recycling with the bold and clear graphic. We created “6” as a primary brand identity, drawing quick associations of green and “6” (in Cantonese, green and 6 are homonyms), which is easy to recognise. The open plan presenting an array of recycling cabinets with easy-to-read instructions motivates self-help practice not only to lower the barriers to the users, it also lessens the burden for its operators.

500+ points across the city

Outcome

The sleek design tremendously increased public participation in recycling, particularly the younger generation, and disrupted the market to an ever-growing recycling network. As of 2024, the Community Recycling Network had expanded to 500+ points across the city.