"Look, this is the plexiglas shield that you can attach to the trash cans using suction cups, the image will appear here and the sensors will be there." Luuk Rousseau, Mechanical Engineering student, and Evie Tossaint (Psychology & Technology) explain using an artist's impression of what 'their' BrightBin should look like. The prototype, which will be ready in a few weeks, is now being worked hard on - especially using sustainable materials. Tossaint: "For example, we work with el-wires that will form an image. They are easier to bend and they use less energy than, for example, LED lighting. We might also use solar panels."

If passersby come close to the trash can - the exact distance has yet to be determined - they receive light and/or sound signals. A smiley, or other image, follows as a reward.

Social issues

The two students started at the beginning of this academic year with eight other students with the Eindhoven branch of Enactus: an international collaboration between students, higher education and businesses, in which social issues are tackled. TU/e students are engaged in starting up social enterprises and they want to help students to develop themselves. They were soon convinced that they would like to focus on sustainability with their projects. They have set up a business model and work together with companies to realize their ideas. Rousseau: "We get all kinds of help, many companies have 'becoming circular' as a subject on their agenda. I can imagine that we will eventually sell the product to festivals and theme parks."