Bin symbols help visually challenged

Tactile bin symbols - designed to make everyday tasks simpler and more independent for people who are blind or have low vision - are being offered by Bass Coast Shire free to the community.

The symbols are small, 3D‑printed shapes to attach to kerbside bin lids, helping residents easily tell the difference between recycling, food and garden organics, and general rubbish by using touch instead of sight.

Each shape represents a different bin: triangle for yellow lid recycling, circle for green lid food and garden organics and square for red lid general rubbish.

The symbols are made from recycled plastic, and simple to install using a small amount of glue, with easy instructions provided.

The symbols are a response to feedback from people living with disability, who have highlighted how everyday tasks - like sorting waste - can become barriers.
Resident Rosalie, who has low vision, touch plays a key role in navigating the world:

"I do a lot of things with my fingers, that's how I make sense of the world and how I do things," she said.

"It means that when I'm putting my rubbish in the bin, I know I'm doing the right thing and recycling properly."

Residents can pick up a free set of tactile bin symbols from customer service locations including at Berninneit in Cowes or Wonthaggi.

Details: basscoast.vic.gov.au/access