Trash to Cash
Conserving ecosystems and promoting local economies
Trash to Cash is a waste management system designed in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) that inspires Ohio state park visitors to clean up and accurately sort litter, with visitors earning monetary rewards for each deposit they make. The system has three components: strategically placed waste collection bins for trash and compost, wildflower seed paper "coins" earned for each deposit, and an exchange program where these "coins" can be traded for discounts at participating local businesses. If visitors do not trade in the coins for discounts, coins may be left outside to disintegrate, releasing native wildflower seeds to support ODNR conservation efforts.
This system was developed in tandem with ODNR’s ConServe Ohio Sustainability Initiative.
Clean up. Cash in. Conserve ohio.
Disciplines
Design research, system design, industrial design, sustainability
Sponsor
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources,
Parks and Watercraft
Based on months of research, including literature reviews, surveys, interviews, and user testing sessions, the Trash to Cash system addresses key challenges—both those faced by the Ohio Department and Ohioans—like environmental destruction, weak rural economies, small business promotion, and negative impacts of tourism. Trash to Cash leverages ODNR’s influence to stimulate local economies, foster sustainable behavior, and promote the growth of native flora.
What motivates Ohioans?
ODNR has struggled to engage people in the past, as many Ohioans are not motivated to act sustainably.
Some individuals are burnt out from over committing to sustainability efforts, feeling demotivated when progress seems slow while others, reject sustainability initiatives. Talking with rural residents revealed that their rejection stems from a historical mistrust of big businesses and the government, especially when their efforts impose uncomfortable changes, like wind turbines on people's farmland.
For this initiative to succeed, it needed to embrace Ohioans’ diverse hopes, from community building to climate justice. However, there are ways to stay motivated. Surveying 62 active sustainability advocates revealed that
collective action—being part of a community—helps sustainability advocates remain hopeful, despite the challenges the movement faces daily.
Through user testing sessions, money also emerged as a key motivator. People are more willing to pick up litter if there’s a reward involved.
Interactive research and development booklet
“Individuals who engaged in collective action... have a stronger sense of self-efficacy and hope for the future.”
Leiserowitz, A., & Lowe, S. (2023, March 13). Yale experts explain climate anxiety.
Hope was the most often selected motivator, regardless of age.