Navigate local recycling rules with confidence.
Designing a shared information system that connects fragmented waste-disposal rules across regions and countries, and translates them into a coherent product experience.
Waste guidance is commonly organised around materials, collection programmes or authorities. Users, however, begin with a specific item and need a clear answer that applies to their location.
Wastend uses a structured rule model to connect items with local classifications, preparation requirements, exceptions and source evidence, then turns that structure into an item-first mobile experience.
The information architecture, interface and core user flows are complete and launch-ready. Current work focuses on validating, expanding and integrating the source-backed local rule database across supported jurisdictions.
WHAT USERS GET
Instead of asking users to interpret policy documents, Wastend presents the local classification, preparation steps, exclusions and source references relevant to the selected item and region.
Search for everyday items or browse local waste categories to find region-specific disposal guidance.
Compare how the same item is classified and handled across different regions, including local category and preparation differences.
Keep frequently checked guidance in one place, with clear disposal instructions and the relevant region context.
WHY THE PROBLEM EXISTS
Local disposal information is distributed across municipal websites, PDFs, collection schemes and facility pages. More importantly, these rules are jurisdiction-specific: a classification, preparation requirement or disposal route that is correct in one place cannot be assumed to apply elsewhere. People begin with the item they are holding, not the administrative system behind it, creating a need for source-backed guidance that preserves local differences while making the next step easier to understand.
HOW WASTEND WORKS
Wastend brings source-backed rules into a consistent structure of items, local classifications, applicable locations, preparation requirements and exceptions. This supports clearer user-facing guidance without erasing jurisdiction-specific terminology.
HOW THE EXPERIENCE IS ORGANISED
Wastend uses a shared item-guidance structure across Guide, Compare and Saved. Global controls establish the regional context, while local classifications, conditions and source evidence remain jurisdiction-specific.
Local guidance varies by jurisdiction, source, material and disposal route. The system therefore needed to remain coherent as new rules and regions were added.
Local rules
→ Fixed taxonomy
→ Search and category routing
→ Shared detail-page structure
→ User guidance
Fixed taxonomy across regions
Search integrated into Guide
Shared detail-page hierarchy
VISUAL SYSTEM
Irregular forms reflected variation across local rules, while neutral surfaces, clear hierarchy and category labels kept dense guidance readable. Colour supported recognition, but was not intended to carry meaning on its own.
OUTCOME
The same underlying model preserved regional rule differences, completed the path from source acquisition to app-ready exports, and powered Guide, Compare and Saved with real data.
