Award-Winning Recycling Bins

Designed to be out in the open, Method Recycling Stations are a creative and effective waste solution for buildings of the future

Launched in 2013 by New Zealand designers Steven and India Korner, Method has reimagined modern sustainable practice with Open Plan Recycling. The couple spent three years mastering this philosophy, and their award-winning product is the result of numerous prototypes, focus groups, and even assisting cleaners on night-shifts. The colour-coded and ultimately behaviour-changing Method 60L Office Recycling Bins connect together to form adaptable recycling stations. The colour of Method’s waste streams have been designed to complement architectural aesthetics, while also meeting UK industry standards. Method bins are simple to implement and can work in any environment.

Decisions about waste often result in systems that are inconsistent with architectural aesthetics or hidden away from sight. Method’s Open Plan Recycling becomes part of the furniture – visibly out in the open, beautiful and considered. Placing waste solutions where they will be naturally used is the optimal way for a space to become more active and engaged.

Extensive research was only the beginning of designing the Method bin. By analysing trends, its co-founders saw that sustainable practices and activity-based working is becoming increasingly popular. First, the Korners mapped out the waste streams of influential businesses, government departments and other organisations. They then organised focus groups and formed affinity maps, piecing together the values of different customers, and further streamlining their product objectives to complement the needs and values of stakeholders.

Steven also helped with a night shift at a commercial cleaning outfit to further understand the process. One cleaner had developed a technique of twisting and folding back bin liners to hold them in place. This inspired Steven to create the defining feature of Method’s beautiful bin, the patented Bag Retainer System, which makes bin liners invisible. Thanks to the consultative process, colour-coded lids, and innovative design, Method’s first line sold out pre-production. Every aspect of the Method recycling system has been carefully considered to make it the most efficient and user-friendly design for the workplace.

Method has since designed more products and added further options developed from customer feedback and insight. Its accessories range includes Precyclers, a short-term desktop storage for paper, waste and recycling. Method’s own 60L Bin Liners are perfectly sized for Method bins, and the HD Connector has been engineered to seamlessly hold Method Recycling Stations in place. Bins can be arranged back-to-back, in a line, or mounted to a wall with this tool. It can also be easily extended with the HD Connector Expansion Kit.

Method has been the long-term sustainability solution for organisations such as Atlassian, Bank of New Zealand, Canva, Xero, Wellington Airport, University of Melbourne, and the Sydney Cricket Ground. Continuing to grow in New Zealand and Australia, its products can now be found worldwide. In 2018, the company completed its biggest North American order to date, supplying a thousand recycling bins to a thought-leading facility in New York City.

This month, Method is looking forward to launching in the UK, having previously worked with a famous British venture capital brand, the world’s leading automotive innovator, and a prestigious London architectural practice.

Method Recycling Stations have also become the effective waste management solution for Green Star Buildings, such as Lendlease’s 300,000-square-metre Barangaroo office in Sydney, clothing brand Kathmandu’s head office in Christchurch’s Innovation Precinct, and Geyser – New Zealand’s first Green World Leadership building in Parnell, Auckland. “Method’s slick solution is part of our wider sustainability strategy and ethos,” says Oliver Milliner, Kathmandu’s Sustainability Coordinator.