Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
RE-BIN
Repair and Makeover Bins Project
ReBin is a sustainability-driven initiative focused on locating, collecting, repairing, repainting, and reinstalling metal trash bins in public spaces.
Instead of discarding old or damaged bins, we locate them and with Stylida Municipality’s support we collect them, send them for restoration, receive them back clean restored and paint them according the place we will place them. By extending their lifespan we promote waste reduction, urban cleanliness, and environmental responsibility.
Instead of discarding old or damaged bins, we locate them and with Stylida Municipality’s support we collect them, send them for restoration, receive them back clean restored and paint them according the place we will place them. By extending their lifespan we promote waste reduction, urban cleanliness, and environmental responsibility.
Greece
Regional
STYLIDA Municipality, Central Greece
DOXATO Municipality, East Macedonia & Thrace
DOXATO Municipality, East Macedonia & Thrace
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2025-02-11
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The ReBin project is a sustainability-focused initiative aimed at repurposing and redesigning metal trash bins to reduce waste, promote circular economy principles, and enhance environmental awareness. Below are the key objectives of the project in terms of sustainability and how they can be met, along with how the project can serve as an exemplary model. Key objectives to minimize the amount of metal waste sent to landfills by reconstructing and repurposing old or damaged metal trash bins, Collecting them with citizens cooperation damaged metal bins from public spaces, businesses, or households go to certified Repair, refurbish, upcycle process instead of manufacturing new ones, reducing the demand for raw materials using practices like welding, patching, or reinforcing to extend the bins' lifespan. Encourage the reuse and recycling of materials to create a closed-loop system. Educate stakeholders on the importance of circular economy practices in waste management. Lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and disposal of metal or plastic trash bins. Use low-energy techniques for reconstruction, such as cold metalworking or eco-friendly coatings. Create visually appealing painted by local artists functional trash bins that encourage proper waste disposal and community engagement. Collaboration with artists and designers to create unique, attractive designs that reflect local culture or environmental themes. Incorporate features like separate compartments for recycling, composting, and general waste to promote waste segregation. We use the project as a platform to educate the public about sustainability and waste management and we are thinking to install informational plaques or QR codes on the bins that explain the project’s sustainability goals and the importance of waste reduction. We organized workshops or community events to demonstrate the reconstruction process and involve the public in upcycling efforts.
sustainability
inclusivity
aesthetics
awareness
environment
ReBin project is a sustainability-focused initiative aimed at repurposing and redesigning metal trash bins to reduce waste, promote circular economy principles, and enhance environmental awareness. Below are the key objectives of the project in terms of sustainability and how they can be met, along with how the project can serve as an exemplary model. Key objectives to minimize the amount of metal waste sent to landfills by reconstructing and repurposing old or damaged metal trash bins, Collecting them with citizens cooperation damaged metal bins from public spaces, businesses, or households go to certified Repair, refurbish, upcycle process instead of manufacturing new ones, reducing the demand for raw materials using practices like welding, patching, or reinforcing to extend the bins' lifespan. Encourage the reuse and recycling of materials to create a closed-loop system. Educate stakeholders on the importance of circular economy practices in waste management. Lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and disposal of metal or plastic trash bins. Use low-energy techniques for reconstruction, such as cold metalworking or eco-friendly coatings. Create visually appealing painted by local artists functional trash bins that encourage proper waste disposal and community engagement. Collaboration with artists and designers to create unique, attractive designs that reflect local culture or environmental themes. Incorporate features like separate compartments for recycling, composting, and general waste to promote waste segregation. We use the project as a platform to educate the public about sustainability and waste management and we are thinking to install informational plaques or QR codes on the bins that explain the project’s sustainability goals and the importance of waste reduction. We organized workshops and community events to demonstrate the reconstruction process and involve the public in upcycling efforts. Share on social media
The ReBin Project aims to transform ordinary metal trash bins into aesthetically pleasing & culturally meaningful objects that enhance public spaces. The project focuses on aesthetics and quality of experience for people, leveraging design & cultural benefits to create a positive impact.
Key objectives, improve the visual appeal of public spaces by turning functional trash bins into works of art. Local artists and community members painting bins with vibrant, culturally relevant designs. Transforming mundane objects into eye-catching pieces of art tailored to reflect the cultural & historical context of the area, with bright, uplifting colors to evoke positive emotions making public spaces more inviting. Creating a more enjoyable, meaningful experience for people using public spaces. Incorporating local cultural motifs, stories & symbols, the bins foster a sense of pride & belonging among residents. Community involvement in the painting process encourages ownership & engagement, making people feel more connected to their environment. While artistic, the bins remain highly functional, ensuring they meet practical needs.
ReBin enhances the emotional & cultural experience of public spaces, showing how design can elevate everyday interactions. Serves as a model for how cities can prioritize human-centered design in urban planning. Encourage reuse & recycling, aligning with environmental goals, since old metal bins are repurposed instead of being discarded, reducing waste. Non-toxic, durable paints are used & the project raises awareness about sustainability by demonstrating creative ways to reuse materials. Involving the community in the design & implementation process, strengthening social bonds.
Painting workshops & public unveiling events bring people together, fostering a sense of unity & shared purpose while provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
Key objectives, improve the visual appeal of public spaces by turning functional trash bins into works of art. Local artists and community members painting bins with vibrant, culturally relevant designs. Transforming mundane objects into eye-catching pieces of art tailored to reflect the cultural & historical context of the area, with bright, uplifting colors to evoke positive emotions making public spaces more inviting. Creating a more enjoyable, meaningful experience for people using public spaces. Incorporating local cultural motifs, stories & symbols, the bins foster a sense of pride & belonging among residents. Community involvement in the painting process encourages ownership & engagement, making people feel more connected to their environment. While artistic, the bins remain highly functional, ensuring they meet practical needs.
ReBin enhances the emotional & cultural experience of public spaces, showing how design can elevate everyday interactions. Serves as a model for how cities can prioritize human-centered design in urban planning. Encourage reuse & recycling, aligning with environmental goals, since old metal bins are repurposed instead of being discarded, reducing waste. Non-toxic, durable paints are used & the project raises awareness about sustainability by demonstrating creative ways to reuse materials. Involving the community in the design & implementation process, strengthening social bonds.
Painting workshops & public unveiling events bring people together, fostering a sense of unity & shared purpose while provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
The ReBin is designed to be inclusive at every level & successfully meets its inclusion objectives by ensuring accessibility, affordability, and active community participation. It exemplifies how urban infrastructure projects can be designed to be inclusive & equitable, providing a model for other cities to follow. By prioritizing inclusion at every level, the project not only enhances public spaces but also fosters a sense of unity & shared purpose among community members. Accessibility for All, ensuring that the project benefits everyone, regardless of physical ability, age, or socioeconomic status. Placement & design of the bins consider accessibility for people with disabilities, ensuring they are easy to use for individuals with mobility challenges. Bins are installed in high-traffic areas, parks & community centers, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Signage & promotional materials are available in Greek & we aim to translate as well. The project demonstrates how urban infrastructure can be designed to be inclusive, setting a standard for accessibility in public spaces. Cost-effective solution that is affordable for municipalities & communities by repurposing existing metal bins, the project minimizes costs & reduces waste. Use of on-toxic, durable paints and locally sourced materials keep expenses low while maintaining quality. Volunteers & local artists contribute their time and skills, reducing labor costs & fostering a sense of ownership.
The project shows how affordability & sustainability can go hand in hand, providing a model for other cities to implement similar initiatives without significant financial burden. Involving diverse stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring the project reflects the needs & values of the entire community in the design and implementation process with regular meetings & updates ensure that everyone is informed & can provide input. Surveys & 2 public forums allowed for continuous feedback
The project shows how affordability & sustainability can go hand in hand, providing a model for other cities to implement similar initiatives without significant financial burden. Involving diverse stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring the project reflects the needs & values of the entire community in the design and implementation process with regular meetings & updates ensure that everyone is informed & can provide input. Surveys & 2 public forums allowed for continuous feedback
The ReBin is a community-driven initiative that actively involves citizens & civil society in its design, implementation & ongoing maintenance. This inclusive approach ensures that the project meets the needs of the community while fostering a sense of ownership & pride. Below is an explanation of how citizens & civil society have been involved, their roles, the level of their involvement & the impact of this engagement on the project. ReBin demonstrates the transformative power of citizen & civil society involvement in urban initiatives. This approach serves as a blueprint for other cities looking to implement community-driven projects that prioritize inclusion & sustainability. Citizens are the primary beneficiaries as it directly impacts their daily lives & the quality of public spaces. Their involvement has been crucial to the project's success, participated in workshops & brainstorming sessions to share ideas for the designs & placement of the bins & Local artists collaborated with residents to create culturally relevant & visually appealing designs. Community members, including volunteers, students & local organizations, actively participated & provided feedback during the pilot phase to ensure the bins met their needs. Residents take pride in maintaining the bins, reporting issues & ensuring they remain functional & attractive. Adoption "bin guardian" system, volunteers oversee specific bins, feel pride & responsible for the bins, leading to better care & maintenance. Designs & placement of the bins reflect the community's preferences, making them more useful & appreciated. Collaborative activities, painting workshops bring people together, fostering social cohesion
CSOs, NGOs, local associations & cultural groups play a significant role their expertise & networks instrument driving the project forward.
CSOs help raise awareness, support campaigns, social media & community events, advocate the project's benefits, sustainability & community engagement
CSOs, NGOs, local associations & cultural groups play a significant role their expertise & networks instrument driving the project forward.
CSOs help raise awareness, support campaigns, social media & community events, advocate the project's benefits, sustainability & community engagement
ReBin Project is a multi-level initiative that engages stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels to ensure its success, scalability & sustainability. Each stakeholder group brings unique expertise, resources & perspectives, contributing to the project's design, implementation & impact. Roles & added value. Local stakeholders are the backbone of the ReBin Project, as they are directly affected by & involved in its implementation. Citizens and Community Members, Provide input on bin designs, locations, & functionality. Participate in painting & installation activities, workshops, events & maintenance. Local Artists and Designers, Create culturally relevant & visually appealing designs for the bins, Enhance the aesthetic & cultural value of the bins, Municipality, Provides funding, logistical support & permissions for bin installation, Ensures the project aligns with local policies & urban planning goals. Schools & Youth Groups, Participate in painting workshops & awareness campaigns, engage younger generations, promotes environmental awareness & community involvement. Regional stakeholders will provide broader support We aim to promote the project across the region. NGOs & Environmental Groups, Advocated for the project, will organize events & provide expertise on sustainability. European Stakeholders we aim to find funding, networking opportunities & a platform for sharing best practices.
The ReBin Project exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating innovative, sustainable & community-driven solutions. By bringing together experts from urban design, environmental science, art, community engagement, engineering, public health & education, the project has achieved a balanced & impactful outcome. This multidisciplinary approach not only enhanced the project's design & implementation but also ensured its relevance, durability & acceptance by the community. It serves as a model for other initiatives seeking to integrate diverse expertise for comprehensive & sustainable urban development.
Urban Design & Planning, Ensures the bins are strategically placed to maximize functionality & accessibility in public spaces. Environmental Science & Sustainability, Guides the project's sustainability goals, including the use of eco-friendly materials & promotion of recycling. Knowledge of sustainable practices, waste management & environmental impact assessment. Ensure the project aligns with global & local sustainability targets. Art & Design, leading the creative process, transforming plain bins into visually appealing & culturally meaningful artworks. Skills in painting, graphic design & cultural representation. Community Engagement & Social Sciences, Facilitates citizen participation & ensures the project addresses community needs & preferences. Fostering a sense of ownership and pride among community members, Engineering & Material Science, technical expertise on the durability and functionality of the bins. Public Health & Safety, Ensure the bins meet health & safety standards, particularly in terms of accessibility and hygiene. Education & Outreach, Developing educational program & campaign to raise awareness about the project & its benefits. Skills in curriculum development, public speaking & communication strategies.
Urban Design & Planning, Ensures the bins are strategically placed to maximize functionality & accessibility in public spaces. Environmental Science & Sustainability, Guides the project's sustainability goals, including the use of eco-friendly materials & promotion of recycling. Knowledge of sustainable practices, waste management & environmental impact assessment. Ensure the project aligns with global & local sustainability targets. Art & Design, leading the creative process, transforming plain bins into visually appealing & culturally meaningful artworks. Skills in painting, graphic design & cultural representation. Community Engagement & Social Sciences, Facilitates citizen participation & ensures the project addresses community needs & preferences. Fostering a sense of ownership and pride among community members, Engineering & Material Science, technical expertise on the durability and functionality of the bins. Public Health & Safety, Ensure the bins meet health & safety standards, particularly in terms of accessibility and hygiene. Education & Outreach, Developing educational program & campaign to raise awareness about the project & its benefits. Skills in curriculum development, public speaking & communication strategies.
ReBin project distinguishes itself from mainstream waste management practices through several innovative approaches, Upcycling Decommissioned Bins into Public Art, typically, decommissioned metal bins are either scrapped or recycled, focusing solely on material recovery. Instead of recycling, the project refurbishes & artistically redesigns these bins, transforming them into functional public art installations. This not only extends the lifecycle of the bins but also enhances urban aesthetics & fosters community pride. Innovation, the project actively engages local residents, artists & organizations in the design & refurbishment process, ensuring that the outcomes reflect the community's cultural identity & needs. This participatory approach promotes social cohesion & a sense of ownership among citizens. By merging sustainability efforts with artistic expression, the project creates multifunctional urban elements that serve both practical & cultural purposes. This interdisciplinary fusion encourages environmental awareness through accessible & engaging mediums. We incorporate educational components directly into the community engagement process, using the refurbished bins as tangible examples to teach about sustainability, recycling & the importance of community involvement. This hands-on learning approach makes environmental education more relatable & impactful.
We embody circular economy principles by repurposing existing materials into valuable community assets, thereby reducing waste & conserving resources. This model demonstrates practical application of circular economy concepts at the community level. Adopting these innovative strategies, not only we address waste management challenges but also enriche community engagement, urban aesthetics & environmental education, setting a new standard for sustainable urban development.
Innovative character lies in its ability to transform mundane objects like trash bins into symbols of cultural pride, environment
We embody circular economy principles by repurposing existing materials into valuable community assets, thereby reducing waste & conserving resources. This model demonstrates practical application of circular economy concepts at the community level. Adopting these innovative strategies, not only we address waste management challenges but also enriche community engagement, urban aesthetics & environmental education, setting a new standard for sustainable urban development.
Innovative character lies in its ability to transform mundane objects like trash bins into symbols of cultural pride, environment
ReBin project employs a comprehensive methodology that integrates environmental sustainability, community engagement, and artistic innovation. The approach encompasses, Assessment & Collection, Identification of Decommissioned Bins in collaboration with municipal Authorities, the project team identifies metal trash bins that are no longer in service. Collection Logistics, a systematic plan was developed to collect these bins efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to public spaces. Community Engagement and Design, Public Workshop, we organized 2 workshops with local residents, artists, and stakeholders to brainstorm design ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusivity. Design Finalization, by synthesizing community input to propose and create designs that reflect local culture and aesthetics, ensuring the refurbished bins resonate with the community. Refurbishment and Artistic Transformation, Collection, Cleaning and Repair, collection with authorities support and cooperation thoroughly cleaning and performing necessary repairs to restore structural integrity from a certified company. Return and artistic application, local young artists apply the finalized designs, transforming the bins into functional art pieces that enhance urban aesthetics. Reinstallation, Education and Strategic Placement for the refurbished bins in selected public areas, considering both functionality and visual impact. Implementation of radio interviews and educational presentation for the public about the project's goals, the importance of recycling, and how they can contribute to sustainability efforts. Monitoring regularly the condition and usage of the bins to assess their impact on waste management & public engagement & get Community Feedback gathering input from residents to identify areas for improvement and to inform future iterations of the project.
We implement Interdisciplinary Collaboration for the project's success, guiding sustainable practices in the refurbishment
We implement Interdisciplinary Collaboration for the project's success, guiding sustainable practices in the refurbishment
The ReBin Project offers a versatile and adaptable framework that can be replicated or transferred to a wide range of contexts. Its participatory design, interdisciplinary collaboration, sustainability focus, artistic transformation, technology integration, multi-stakeholder collaboration & robust monitoring & evaluation provide a comprehensive model for addressing complex challenges in urban development, public health, education & beyond. By leveraging these elements, other communities & organizations can create innovative, inclusive & sustainable solutions that resonate with their unique needs & contexts. Bringing together experts from various fields to address complex challenges. Leveraging diverse expertise to create holistic & innovative solutions. Interdisciplinary teams design campaigns to promote healthy lifestyles, combining medical expertise, community engagement, and creative communication. Repurposing existing materials to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Raising awareness about sustainability and encouraging behavioral change.
The ReBin Project is designed to be highly replicable and transferable to other places, groups of beneficiaries & contexts. Its success lies in its flexible framework, participatory approach & emphasis on sustainability & community engagement. The key elements that can be replicated or adapted elsewhere are encouraging residents to take an active role in the project, fostering a sense of pride & responsibility. Transferability, in cities, participatory design can be used to create public art installations or improve urban infrastructure. In rural settings, similar methods can be applied to design community gardens or local recycling programs. Students can be involved in designing & painting bins for their schools, promoting environmental awareness and creativity. Bringing together experts from various fields, urban planning, art, environmental science to address complex challenges.
The ReBin Project is designed to be highly replicable and transferable to other places, groups of beneficiaries & contexts. Its success lies in its flexible framework, participatory approach & emphasis on sustainability & community engagement. The key elements that can be replicated or adapted elsewhere are encouraging residents to take an active role in the project, fostering a sense of pride & responsibility. Transferability, in cities, participatory design can be used to create public art installations or improve urban infrastructure. In rural settings, similar methods can be applied to design community gardens or local recycling programs. Students can be involved in designing & painting bins for their schools, promoting environmental awareness and creativity. Bringing together experts from various fields, urban planning, art, environmental science to address complex challenges.
ReBin Project is a multi-level initiative that engages stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels to ensure its success, scalability & sustainability. Each stakeholder group brings unique expertise, resources & perspectives, contributing to the project's design, implementation & impact. Roles & added value. Local stakeholders are the backbone of the ReBin Project, as they are directly affected by & involved in its implementation. Citizens and Community Members, Provide input on bin designs, locations, & functionality. Participate in painting & installation activities, workshops, events & maintenance. Local Artists and Designers, Create culturally relevant & visually appealing designs for the bins, Enhance the aesthetic & cultural value of the bins, Municipality, Provides funding, logistical support & permissions for bin installation, Ensures the project aligns with local policies & urban planning goals. Schools & Youth Groups, Participate in painting workshops & awareness campaigns, engage younger generations, promotes environmental awareness & community involvement. Regional stakeholders will provide broader support We aim to promote the project across the region. NGOs & Environmental Groups, Advocated for the project, will organize events & provide expertise on sustainability. European Stakeholders we aim to find funding, networking opportunities & a platform for sharing best practices.
European Union Institutions, will provide funding through programs like Horizon Europe or the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) & enable the project to scale and align with EU sustainability and urban development goals. Share best practices, connect the project with other initiatives & provide technical support. Position the project as a European best practice, inspiring similar initiatives across the continent. The engagement of stakeholders at various levels will enhance the ReBin Project's design, implementation & impact.
European Union Institutions, will provide funding through programs like Horizon Europe or the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) & enable the project to scale and align with EU sustainability and urban development goals. Share best practices, connect the project with other initiatives & provide technical support. Position the project as a European best practice, inspiring similar initiatives across the continent. The engagement of stakeholders at various levels will enhance the ReBin Project's design, implementation & impact.
The ReBin Project has achieved significant results, outcomes, and impacts that align with the values & criteria of the BAUHAUS Awards, which emphasize sustainability, inclusivity & aesthetics. Detailed overview of the project's achievements & the benefits deliver to both direct & indirect beneficiaries. Environmental Sustainability, hundreds of old or unused metal trash bins were repurposed & transformed into functional artworks, reducing waste & promoting resource efficiency. Eco-Friendly Practices with non-toxic, durable paints & sustainable materials minimized the project's environmental footprint. Behavioral Change, increasing awareness about recycling & upcycling led to more responsible waste management practices in the community. Aesthetic Improvement with artistic transformation of trash bins enhancing the visual appeal of public spaces. Strategically placing & well-designed bins improving waste collection efficiency & accessibility. Over 1,000 community members, artists, students, & volunteers, participate in the design, painting still. The bins reflect local heritage & traditions, fostering a sense of pride & identity among residents. Community involvement leads to a stronger sense of ownership & responsibility for public spaces. Workshops and events bring together people of all ages, abilities & backgrounds, promoting social cohesion, actively engage marginalized communities, ensuring their voices are heard & needs addressed.
Educational programs & campaigns raise awareness about sustainability, public health & the importance of community engagement. Students participation in all activities with responsibility. Now we will enjoy cleaner, more attractive public spaces and a stronger sense of community pride. Volunteers, developed new skills, built social connections, Visitors & Tourists, will experience enhanced public spaces & cultural landmarks, boosting local tourism.
We will benefit from increased foot traffic & a more attractive urban environment.
Educational programs & campaigns raise awareness about sustainability, public health & the importance of community engagement. Students participation in all activities with responsibility. Now we will enjoy cleaner, more attractive public spaces and a stronger sense of community pride. Volunteers, developed new skills, built social connections, Visitors & Tourists, will experience enhanced public spaces & cultural landmarks, boosting local tourism.
We will benefit from increased foot traffic & a more attractive urban environment.
