Youtube link: https://youtu.be/GX3jo0gsiPY
5stills:https://drive.google.com/file/d/17KBZWB8WB91r3YFYNkWi-aJoxqV0T0Ng/view?usp=sharing
Belinda: Welcome to the Architecture and Film podcast. This is Belinda, and next to me, we have Annie.
The Urban Renewal Authority has recently proposed to demolish and redevelop the Man Wah Sun Chuen, which is located in Jordan. The artefact that will vanish is the old model of the rubbish bin located in the Man Wah Sun Chuen.
Rubbish bins in Hong Kong have always had a familiar look. One rectangular opening on each side and an ashtray on top. However, I have several reasons to believe that this familiar sight is about to change after the demolition of the Man Wah Sun Chuen.
First, compared to previous models of the trash can, the current model of the trash can has a relatively small opening. More recently, a newer, less commonly seen model has an even smaller opening. Smaller openings mean that trash of larger sizes cannot be easily discarded in these public places. By observing this trend in the rubbish bins, it can be seen that the Hong Kong government plans to reduce the illegal discarding of trash by limiting the size of trash that can be thrown in these bins.
Moreover, the recent launch of Municipal Solid Waste Charging shows that the government is dedicated to reducing solid waste. A scheme with such a large scale surely requires a lot of resources and planning. This suggests that the government is going to continue putting forward more plans to reduce solid waste. Therefore, it is more likely that the new model will replace the old rubbish bins.
Belinda: Anni. So, what do we know about the past and present of these rubbish bins?
Anni: According to the image of the past and present litter containers, there are two main differences. First, the size of the inlet has been contracted, from the previous 370mm x 190mm to the current 230mm x 150mm. Second, a warning has been added under the inlet, reading “Discarding refuse at the side of the litter container will be prosecuted”. There are also characters that remain unchanged. The volume of the litter container was kept at 130 litres and the ashtray at the top of it was kept as well. So the capacity of litter container is the same as before and it is still able to collect the cigarette ends. However, as the image on the left shows, bigger size litter is unable to be put in. The specification that can be thrown in is strictly controlled. Because of the change, people may choose to leave the garbage on the top or beside the litter contained. To better recycle the litter, the government has reinforced the management. Citizens who do not throw the rubbish as regulated will face charges. The newly added warning also emphasizes the importance of putting the rubbish in the right place and the consequences if not doing so.
Anni: Then who would be affected if these old models vanish? How would they feel about this?
Belinda: Well, as you know, solid waste has been a controversial topic in Hong Kong over the past decades, especially with the size of the rubbish bins showing a decreasing trend. The public has opposed the vanishing of the current model of the rubbish bin, as it is very inconvenient for them to dispose of the rubbish, particularly bigger items.
At the same time, with the disappearance of the old rubbish bin model, the government would successfully reinforce the Municipal Solid Waste Charging. With a smaller rubbish bin, the government prevents the public from disposing of household and commercial waste on the street, which is expected to increase after implementing the scheme. Consequently, this further reduces the production of solid waste in Hong Kong.
Belinda: Then how is the government easing the transition process?
Anni: To help citizens better get used to the new litter container, the government has posted its appearance and the adjustment in specification on social media and the official website in advance. During the period when the new litter containers were first being promoted, the government also enhanced their supervision of them in order to assist citizens in building up the new recycling habit.
Apart from the adjustment in the specification, the quantity of the litter contained has also been reduced. According to the statistics from the Food and Environment Hygiene Department, 15% of litter containers have been reduced in almost all districts. Further steps of reducing the litter containers on the street are being considered now. The average rate of people and litter containers now is 1:189, which indicates a container can serve approximately 189 citizens. The rate is going to rise after the widespread use of the new litter container.
Belinda: Thank you Annie. To sum up, the old model of the rubbish bin might vanish in 10 years. It is likely many people find it hard to accept the new, smaller model, but this shift serves as an important step for Hong Kong towards a more sustainable future. And that wraps up our discussion for today. Until next time!
3035179273 Li Mei Yiu Belinda
3036128858 Zhang Anni