This is a mock-up response for Brighton Kaseke's Grade 7 project, structured to achieve an
improved, but still average, score of 55%. The project centers on designing a basic bin and
shows limited technical depth and insufficient planning for the logistical challenges.
Litter Has Become a Problem in Zimbabwe
By Brighton Kaseke, Grade 7
Stage 1: Problem Identification
1.1 Description of the Problem
Littering is a common sight in my neighbourhood, especially near the local bus stop and tuck
shop. The main litter consists of plastic bottles, empty packets, and paper. This scattered
trash makes our streets look very dirty. The worst effect is that the rubbish blocks the small
drains and ditches, leading to stagnant, smelly water whenever there is heavy rain. This
attracts flies and is unhygienic for everyone.
1.2 Brief Statement of Intent
To design and construct a low-cost, visible bin for a high-litter area using repurposed
materials and encourage residents to use it, with the aim of reducing visible ground litter in
that specific spot by 50% over three weeks.
1.3 Design
I will design a bin using a strong, recycled tyre as the base and body. The design must be
heavy, durable, and clearly marked to attract users.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas
2.1 Evidence of Related Ideas
Council Skips: Very large metal skips, but they are too far away for people to use for
small litter. (Source: Observation)
Plastic Shopping Bags: Some residents just leave these bags full of trash on the curb.
They easily tear. (Source: Observation)
School Bins (Light Plastic): Small plastic bins at school are easily knocked over or
broken. (Source: School Observation)
2.2 Analysis of Ideas
Council Skips: Inconvenient for small, immediate rubbish; people won't walk that
distance to dispose of a wrapper.
Plastic Bags: Not secure; they are easily ripped by animals or scattered by the wind,
making the problem worse.
School Bins: This confirms the need for a solution that is heavy and strong to
withstand public use and wind.
2.3 Overall Quality of Presentation of Ideas
The investigation correctly identifies the need for a heavy, convenient solution. However,
there is no evidence of external research (e.g., looking at bin designs in other areas or
talking to local council workers), making the analysis limited.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas
3.1 Evidence of Possible Solutions
1. A Simple Wooden Box: Easy to build, but it will rot in the rain.
2. Digging a Pit: A hole lined with plastic. (Dangerous and fills up fast.)
3. The Tyre-Base Bin (Chosen Idea): Using a stack of two old car tyres as the sturdy
base and body.
3.2 Advantages
Solution Advantages
Wooden Box Easy to build with basic tools.
Digging a Pit Keeps trash hidden from sight.
Tyre-Base Bin Very heavy and durable (won't blow away); uses cheap, recycled materials.
Export to Sheets
3.3 Disadvantages
Solution Disadvantages
Wooden Box Will rot quickly and needs a lid.
Digging a Pit Dangerous, and eventually the trash just needs to be dug out.
Tyre-Base Bin No lid, so it will collect rainwater and smell bad; hard to move when full.
Export to Sheets
3.4 Overall Quality of Illustrations
The illustration is a simple, clear sketch of two car tyres stacked on top of each other. It is
coloured (e.g., painted blue) but lacks detail on how the tyres are secured or how the crucial
problem of no lid will be solved.
Stage 4: Development / Refinement of Chosen Idea
4.1 Indication of Choice
The chosen idea is the Tyre-Base Bin.
4.2 Justification of Choice
The Tyre-Base Bin is the most practical choice because it is extremely durable and heavy,
ensuring it stays in place. Using old tyres also means the material is free and readily
available, which aligns with the low-cost goal.
4.3 Three Developments
1. Adding a Bottom: I will cut a piece of strong cardboard or thin metal and fix it to
the bottom tyre to stop trash from falling out onto the ground.
2. High Visibility: I will paint the tyres in bright, contrasting colours (e.g., yellow and
green) so that the bin is visible from a long distance.
3. Inserting a Bag Liner: I will line the inside of the tyres with a large, strong plastic
bag to make it easier to lift the trash out when the bin is full.
4.4 Overall Presentation
The presentation is basic. The developments address the problem of the bin being bottomless
and difficult to empty, but they fail to address the critical disadvantage of the bin having
no lid, which will lead to the bin filling with water and smelling badly.
Stage 5: Presentation of Final Solutions
5.1 Presentation of an Artefact
The Final Tyre-Base Bin: Two car tyres stacked and painted bright yellow and green. It has
a piece of thin wood (instead of cardboard) screwed into the bottom and is lined with a strong
plastic bag. It does not have a lid.
5.2 Presentation of a Service
A Community Information Session: I gave a short, polite request to the vendors at the tuck
shop, asking them to remind their customers to use the new colourful bin instead of throwing
wrappers on the ground.
5.3 Presentation of an Artefact
A "Thank You" Sign: A small, laminated sign placed next to the bin that says "Thank You
for Keeping Zimbabwe Clean!" in large letters to encourage people.
Stage 6: Evaluation of Solution and Recommendations
6.1 Relevance of Statement of Intent
The project was relevant and successfully implemented the bin. The high visibility of the
colourful bin initially encouraged use, and the immediate area was much cleaner for the first
few days. However, the system failed after one week because the tyres filled with
rainwater, making the liner bag too heavy to lift.
6.2 Challenges Encountered
1. No Lid: The biggest challenge was the lack of a lid. When it rained, the bin filled up
with water, making the trash heavy, smelly, and impossible to empty.
2. Too Heavy to Empty: The bin became so heavy with water and trash that the single
plastic liner bag was not strong enough, and no one (including me) could lift the
contents out.
3. Securing the Base: The screws holding the bottom piece of wood failed after a few
days because the wood got wet.
6.3 Recommendations
1. Add a Hinged Lid: The design must be improved to include a fixed, hinged metal
or plastic lid to completely keep out the rain.
2. Find a Collection Partner: I need to talk to a local waste collector or vendor and
ask them to agree to empty the bin regularly for a small weekly fee.
3. Use a Drain: The bottom piece should be changed to include a small drain hole to
let water out (if a lid is not used), but adding a lid is the best solution.
