UrbaE represents a new generation of containers for household separate waste collection, designed to put people at the center—both collection operators and citizens—and to concretely improve the quality of the service.
It is based on the idea that a container is not just a functional object, but a tool capable of influencing behaviors, reducing the physical impact of work, and contributing to the creation of more efficient and sustainable collection systems.
From scientific research to material selection, from ergonomic design to collaboration with local territories, every aspect of UrbaE has been developed to solve real problems and generate value across the entire chain.
The following sections illustrate the key elements that make it a unique product in the landscape of separate waste collection.
1. Certified ergonomics and attention to operator well-being
UrbaE was created through a two-year research process, developed in collaboration with CeRiSM and the University of Trento, which led to a complete rethinking of the household container.
The project was based on biomechanical analyses and field observations, with the aim of reducing the musculoskeletal overload of collection operators, especially during lifting and handling phases.
The container has obtained ergonomic certifications issued by independent bodies, confirming its effectiveness in reducing physical strain and the incidence of injuries, contributing to better health, safety, and work quality.
2. Functional design to improve collection quality
Beyond its ergonomic features, UrbaE was designed to simplify the user experience for citizens, encourage proper behaviors, and improve the overall quality of separate collection.
Its design guides users toward more orderly disposal practices through targeted choices: intuitive openings, increased handling comfort, certified materials, and high recycled content.
This approach integrates the principles of Nudge Theory, leveraging small positive stimuli that encourage virtuous actions without imposing obligations.
3. Collaborative innovation among research, companies, and local communities
The project involved several key players in the sector—including Contarina, Fiemme Servizi, and SAE Valle Sabbia—who provided operators, data, and vehicles during the experimental phase.
This cooperation made it possible to design a container truly based on real needs observed in the field, rather than theoretical assumptions.
4. Material sustainability and circular economy
UrbaE is made from “Second Life Plastic”-certified recycled polypropylene, with a content between 85% and 95%.
This choice reduces the environmental impact of the product’s entire life cycle and enhances the value of separate collection outputs by transforming them into tools that further improve the system itself.