The role of recycling in bringing the circular economy into the street scene

Recycled plastic benches

Written by Made by Landmark - 10 Oct 2024

The future of the earth depends on us. As people living on a planet that provides life, resources, and shelter, it’s our duty to protect it through mindful choices and actions. One key way to make an impact is by embracing recycling efforts that integrate sustainable materials into everyday environments—like the use of recycled plastic benches.

These benches not only reduce waste but also bring the concept of a circular economy into the street scene, transforming public spaces into reminders of our shared responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations.

The Circular Economy: A New Model for Sustainability

The traditional economic model is linear, wherein resources are extracted to make products that are used once before being disposed of as waste. This ‘take-make-waste’ approach depletes natural resources and creates pollution.

The circular economy, on the other hand, is a system designed to be regenerative by nature. It aims to maximise the use and reuse of resources for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from products and materials while minimising waste. The circular model seeks to keep resources in use, rather than discarding them at the end of their life cycle.

Recycled materials play an essential role in the circular economy by providing resources for new products while reducing waste. Using recycled plastic for products like benches closes the loop by giving discarded plastic a new life, preventing it from ending up in landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This waste reduction and reuse of materials helps sustain the circular system through multiple life cycles. Creating a supply of recycled materials that can be reused time and again is key to minimising resource extraction from the environment. Recycled benches not only provide a functional product but also serve as a visible reminder of the circular economy in action, demonstrating how waste can become a resource through reuse.

Transforming Public Spaces Through Recycled Materials

Recycled materials are increasingly being used to create street furniture and infrastructure elements that enhance public spaces while helping to conserve natural resources through reuse. Recycled plastic can be moulded into benches and chairs with durable, long-lasting designs. 

Similarly, recycled metal is used to make bicycle racks, light bollards, planters, and other fixtures that organise pedestrian and bike traffic. Salvaged and recycled wood is fashioned into tables, planters, and seating that provide a rustic, eco-friendly aesthetic.

Here are some common examples:

Reclaimed Wood Signage

Using recycled plastics in signage can help promote sustainability messaging while utilising waste materials. Recycled plastic signage frames and posts are durable, cost-effective options that demonstrate the circular economy in action.

Bike Racks from Reused Materials

Bike racks made from reused metals like steel provide a functional way to store bicycles while encouraging alternative modes of transport. Their sleek appearance blends with the urban landscape. While many metals contain recycled elements, such as aluminium, which can be up to 75% recycled, they typically retain a polished, like-new look

Recycled Plastic Benches

Seating made from reclaimed wood or recycled plastic and metal gives people a place to rest while showcasing creative reuse of discarded materials. From benches and chairs to tables and stools, recycled materials transform pedestrian areas into vibrant public spaces.

Recycled Plastic Litter Bins

Litter bins made from recycled plastic help manage waste effectively and support sustainability efforts. Recycled plastic is particularly suitable for these bins as it is resistant to fading, rot, and vandalism. Additionally, it can be recycled at the end of its life, and it does not leach harmful chemicals into the soil, making it an eco-friendly choice for various environments, including areas with high moisture or acidic soil​.

Governments and community organisations can implement these recycled street elements in public areas at a low cost. Not only do they enhance aesthetics and functionality, they also educate people about the importance of reuse and recycling through a tangible demonstration of the circular economy.

Recycled plastic benches for sustainable future

Designing For a Sustainable Future

Designing products with repairability, reuse, and recyclability in mind is essential for a sustainable future. This approach, known as design for sustainability, aims to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency by:

  • Making products easy to repair so they last longer
  • Using modular components that can be replaced individually
  • Utilising recycled and recyclable materials that can reenter the supply chain after use
  • Opting for simple designs that can be disassembled and separated into material streams at end of life

When street furniture and infrastructure are designed with these factors in mind, they can have a second or third life through repair, reuse or recycling. Replacing disposable products with durable, repairable designs can significantly reduce the amount of the materials we use and the waste we generate over time.

Conclusion

The benefits of recycling goes beyond environmental sustainability. This plays an important role in urban design by reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The use of recycled wood, plastic and metal for street furniture and infrastructure demonstrates the principles of the circular economy and educates the public on reuse and recycling. Integrating recycled materials into streetscapes can significantly support environmental goals through tangible examples of reuse and the circular economy in action.

At Made By Landmark, we believe that sustainable design can transform public spaces while making a real impact on the environment. Our team specialises in creating street furniture like outdoor benches, light bollards, bicycle stands, and other street furniture products made from recycled materials, helping cities and communities embrace the circular economy. Contact us today to explore how our expertise can help turn your vision into a reality, one recycled product at a time.

Written by Made by Landmark - 10 Oct 2024

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