An innovative project, which can be seen as a continuation of the climate campaign, is currently causing a stir in Kattenturm - quite literally: a new, creative idea to raise awareness of waste in the neighbourhood has been implemented under the title "Talking Trash". The starting point is a problem that many people are familiar with: Rubbish is often placed next to - instead of in - the bins. This not only has visual consequences, but also very practical ones. One neighbour reported that rats had already been spotted again - a clear sign of a structural waste problem.
To counteract this, developer Daniel Johle has developed and built a small, effective system that reacts to correct waste disposal with sound. The so-called "modular system" consists of a loudspeaker with a motion sensor that is activated when rubbish is thrown into the bin. As soon as the sensor is triggered, a short phrase such as:
"Thank you that your rubbish doesn't pose a threat to the environment and animals!"
"Thank you for disposing of your rubbish properly!"
"Thank you for separating your rubbish properly and standing up for a clean city!"
"Thank you for helping to keep Bremen clean!"
"Thank you for making your neighbourhood more beautiful!"
These messages are available in five languages - German, English, Arabic, Russian and Turkish. The content and wording were checked beforehand in small tests to ensure that they are perceived as respectful and motivating.
The technology is well thought out: the module is attached like a small street sign, is supplied with energy by a solar cell and is fitted with a rain cover. It was installed in a sheltered location under a canopy of leaves, right next to a lamppost - which should ensure a reliable supply of energy. Most importantly, the sensor is set so that it only activates in the direct vicinity of rubbish and the sound is not loud enough to disturb the neighbourhood.
Behind the idea is a developer who has already built similar systems, for example in Woltmershausen. The realisation takes around 20 hours per device.
The impetus for the project came from Visionskultur, or more precisely from Aline Joost, who made the contact. "With the multilingual sound module, we want to reach citizens in as low a threshold as possible; to encourage them in a playful way to actively participate in proper waste disposal - without lecturing, but rather being grateful for their cooperation in making Bremen cleaner. Hopefully the element of surprise in addressing them in their own language will also bring a smile to the faces of some of the citizens...", says Aline Joost. The cooperation partner is GEWOBA, which is actively addressing the issue of waste in the neighbourhood and would like to establish more such systems in Kattenturm in the long term.
An explanatory sign will also be put up so that it is clear exactly what is happening here - because spontaneous, talking rubbish bins can be quite irritating if you are not prepared for them.
The pilot project shows that small, creative ideas can have a big impact - especially if they are developed with local people. Initial feedback from the neighbourhood has been consistently positive. If the system proves successful, even more talking modules could soon be installed in Kattenturm.
Talking Trash is therefore not just a technical experiment - but an impulse for living neighbourliness, environmental awareness and new ways of working in the district.