UNIVERSAL CART INITIATIVE
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WHY A UNIVERSAL CART?
The Universal Carts Initiative was born out of a need in the community for a cart sharing system that supports physical capabilities, fosters economic opportunities, and reduces crime. Users of shopping carts often struggle with health and mobility issues and would benefit from cart design that is less physically demanding.
Functional carts will support informal workers from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to conduct their daily business, thus creating a pathway to income generation and work legitimacy. With a cart-sharing system, people will be able to legally obtain carts through their current membership with Binners’ Project.
With input of more than 100 Vancouver binners, the carts have been designed and purpose-built for binning.
Functional carts will support informal workers from the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to conduct their daily business, thus creating a pathway to income generation and work legitimacy. With a cart-sharing system, people will be able to legally obtain carts through their current membership with Binners’ Project.
With input of more than 100 Vancouver binners, the carts have been designed and purpose-built for binning.
For decades, repurposed carts have been a hallmark of binning. |
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HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHO
In the first few months, we’re piloting the registration phase with members of Binners’ Project, where binners will receive an orientation to the program and training for using the carts.
Jake Collinge, a professional illustrator, is designing binner-friendly instructions to make sure the usage and safety instructions are clear.
HOW
From the beginning, binners have asked for the ability to access the carts at any time. Our tech expert, Dave Schwartz, has custom developed an automated docking station that releases the carts, and secures them once they’re returned. This system allows binners to unlock carts using only their voice; allowing binners to access a cart without having to remember a pin number, needing a credit card, or a fob that they might misplace.
The mechanical structures of the carts, the station base, and the cart locking mechanism were designed in-house by our volunteer designer, Shane Frei and are being built locally by Metal Mart.
WHERE
There will be two docking stations on the street where the carts will live.
Station 1 will be located at Main and Cordova Street on City property outside the building of our partner 312 Main.
Station 2 will be on Industrial Avenue using City property outside the buildings of our partners United We Can and Recycling Alternative.
In the first few months, we’re piloting the registration phase with members of Binners’ Project, where binners will receive an orientation to the program and training for using the carts.
Jake Collinge, a professional illustrator, is designing binner-friendly instructions to make sure the usage and safety instructions are clear.
HOW
From the beginning, binners have asked for the ability to access the carts at any time. Our tech expert, Dave Schwartz, has custom developed an automated docking station that releases the carts, and secures them once they’re returned. This system allows binners to unlock carts using only their voice; allowing binners to access a cart without having to remember a pin number, needing a credit card, or a fob that they might misplace.
The mechanical structures of the carts, the station base, and the cart locking mechanism were designed in-house by our volunteer designer, Shane Frei and are being built locally by Metal Mart.
WHERE
There will be two docking stations on the street where the carts will live.
Station 1 will be located at Main and Cordova Street on City property outside the building of our partner 312 Main.
Station 2 will be on Industrial Avenue using City property outside the buildings of our partners United We Can and Recycling Alternative.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Inspired by this project and have an idea about how we can fund it?
Do you want to pitch your workplace on sponsorship? Host a fundraiser? Share a funding opportunity with us? We're all ears! Share your ideas, leads, and more with Flora at [email protected].
Are you someone who wants to help improve the safety, dignity, and efficiency of Vancouver's binners?
Donations from supporters are a key part of funding this work — you can make your tax-deductible donation here or direct cheques to:
Do you want to pitch your workplace on sponsorship? Host a fundraiser? Share a funding opportunity with us? We're all ears! Share your ideas, leads, and more with Flora at [email protected].
Are you someone who wants to help improve the safety, dignity, and efficiency of Vancouver's binners?
Donations from supporters are a key part of funding this work — you can make your tax-deductible donation here or direct cheques to:
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe Universal Carts were designed by Shane Frei & manufactured by Metal Mart.
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