Wasted Space
Using existing public transport infrastructure to move material waste around the city.
This project uses existing infrastructure in new ways for new tasks; trams and trains are used to move waste around and out of the city. This removes collection trucks from the CBD and Docklands and allows bigger loads to be moved.
Waste is currently stored in back alleys until it is removed. In this proposal, consumers (businesses, residents) are responsible for transferring rubbish to the tram stop; this could become a commercial service. Waste stops are incorporated into existing tram stops. Trams pull an additional waste carriage; alternatively waste trams can use the same routes, as currently occurs in the Netherlands. Train stations become waste-transfer stations. The laneways are cleared and available to be used for other activities, creating more useable and valuable cultural pockets within the larger urban fabric.
Waste is shipped out of the city after being processed at a materials recovery facility (currently the site of DFO) at Southern Cross Station. The Materials Recovery Facility receives, sorts, stores or transfers waste. The waste itself can be converted into energy, composted or re-sold in the market space as recovered materials. The facility also houses CH3, a new council building specifically charged with managing the city’s waste and other environmental systems.
By integrating materials recovery and waste systems into everyday life, the quantity produced becomes visible and relevant to the users of the city.
Research Sources:
- Werner Sunk, “Field trip to WTE facility Spittelau/Fernwaerme Wien GmbH, Vienna Austria”, Columbia University.
- Scott Drake, “Docklands Update” Architecture Australia . July/August 2003.
- Bob Muntz, “Public Transport should drive our future”, ON LINE Opinion 3 March 2005.
- “Litter and Landfill”, Melbourne Atlas 2006, Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria. (previous link to Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. Link updated Mar 27, 2012)
- “Melbourne’s freight flow and distribution”, Melbourne Atlas 2006 – Working, Department of Planning and Community Development, Victoria. (previous link to Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. Link updated Mar 27, 2012)
