Call for Entries: Recycling Bin Design

The following press release is making the rounds.

Classic Center and ACC Recycling Division Announce Recycling Bin Design Competition

(Athens, GA) – Local professional and amateur artists are invited to submit design proposals for a combination outdoor recycling bin to be installed at the Classic Center at 300 N. Thomas St. The goals of the project are to provide a pedestrian recycling option, support local artists and the arts, and beautify Downtown Athens. The winning artist will receive a $500 honorarium. The deadline for design submissions is June 11, 2010. The winning design will be announced July 5, and the new bins will be installed no later than September 30.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize a bin design that incorporates the tasteful and creative use of recycled materials, yet is focused on functionality of use, ease of servicing, and ability to replicate. The recycling bin needs to be a free-form standing design that has one bin for aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles and a second bin for small cardboard and paper items.

Designs should incorporate materials that are 80-100 percent post-consumer recycled material(s), be weather-resistant, durable and easy to maintain. The winning artist will be responsible for providing all project designs, images, a written description, list of materials and fabrication instructions. The artist will assist the ACC Recycling Division with fabrication of the winning design to ensure the bins are functional and that more units can be easily re-created in the future.

The Request for Design proposal is open to professional and amateur artists of all backgrounds within the state of Georgia. Athens area artists and University of Georgia students are encouraged to respond. For those artists who have design talents but lack fabrication experience, the ACC Recycling Division or local fabricators can assist with cost estimates and production for the outdoor recycling bin. Submissions should include photos, scale drawings or small-scale models, a one-page artist statement about the design, proposed installation methods and a timeline.

Entries will be critiqued on originality, creativity, artistic merit, functionality, public safety, durability in an outdoor setting and associated project costs. Proposals must be submitted no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2010 to the ACC Recycling Division, Recycling Bin Call for Design, 725 Hancock Industrial Way, Athens, Georgia 30605.

A PDF of the full Request for Design document can be found online through a link at www.athensclarkecounty.com/solidwaste. For more information, contact the Athens-Clarke County Recycling Division at 706-613-3512.

We have great faith that this will end up as attractive as the cigarette litter receptacles (CLRs), bus stops and bike racks we already have around town testifying to the abilities of our local artists.