Transforming Waste Management with User-Centred Design
We partnered with Ireland’s Regional Waste Management Offices (RWMOs) to redesign and enhance MyWaste.ie, creating a more user-friendly, accessible, and future-proof platform. Through in-depth research, stakeholder engagement, and iterative design, we developed a modern, intuitive, and high-performing website that supports both citizens and businesses in managing waste responsibly.
As Ireland transitions to a circular economy, MyWaste.ie plays a vital role in educating and guiding users on sustainable waste practices. While the platform was already a trusted resource, our research identified key areas for improvement, particularly in navigation, accessibility, and engagement. To ensure the site remained an effective tool for waste management, it required a strategic redesign that would provide clarity, inclusivity, and ease of use for all audiences.
The Problem
MyWaste.ie was well-established as Ireland’s central hub for waste management information. However, our user research highlighted several challenges that were limiting its full potential. Some users found the navigation unintuitive, making it difficult to locate the right waste disposal guidance. Others encountered accessibility barriers that prevented them from fully engaging with the platform.
The brand, originally designed for print, needed to evolve into a digital-first identity that resonated across web and mobile experiences. Additionally, the existing content management system was inefficient, making it harder for the MyWaste team to update information and keep pace with user needs.
The challenge was clear: create a seamless, accessible, and engaging experience that would empower both citizens and businesses to make informed waste management decisions, while also future-proofing the platform for Ireland’s ongoing transition to a circular economy.
Our Approach
To ensure the redesign met the needs of all stakeholders, we adopted a research-driven, user-centred approach. Through interviews and workshops with citizens, businesses, non-profits, and local authorities, we gathered insights into how different user groups interacted with the platform. Mapping their journeys helped us identify pain points and uncover opportunities to streamline the experience.
A key priority was accessibility. We designed the new MyWaste.ie to fully comply with WCAG 2.2 AA standards, ensuring that all users—including those with disabilities—could navigate the site with ease. High-contrast colours, scalable typography, and keyboard-friendly navigation were implemented to create an inclusive digital experience.
In parallel, we worked on evolving MyWaste’s brand for digital use. While preserving its core identity, we refined its visual system to enhance readability and engagement. The new brand experience extended across the website, mobile, and social platforms, ensuring consistency and recognition.
We also introduced a custom WordPress CMS, built with flexibility in mind. Using the Gutenberg block editor, we empowered the MyWaste team to manage content efficiently while maintaining design integrity. Performance was optimised through advanced caching, a content delivery network (CDN), and SEO tools to ensure fast load times and high visibility in search engines.
To support Ireland’s sustainability goals, we migrated MyWaste.ie to WP Engine, leveraging carbon-neutral Google Cloud servers. This not only provided robust security and scalability but also aligned the platform with best practices in sustainable digital infrastructure.
The Outcome
The redesigned MyWaste.ie is now a fully accessible, intuitive, and future-ready platform that empowers users to manage waste more effectively. Navigation has been simplified, making it easier for both citizens and businesses to find the information they need. The brand’s digital evolution has strengthened engagement, while the improved CMS allows the MyWaste team to keep content up to date with ease.
Most importantly, MyWaste.ie is now positioned to support Ireland’s transition to a circular economy, helping users take meaningful action towards sustainability. With ongoing performance monitoring and iterative improvements, the platform will continue to evolve in response to user needs, ensuring it remains an essential resource for waste management in Ireland.
