NEWS : Post

Straight launches
flagship system

The new BagFlag™ is an innovative way for collection crews to correctly identify which properties require replacement liners for their kitchen caddies. BagFlag™ has been developed by Straight in conjunction with Neath Port Talbot Council for its new food waste scheme.

Neath will roll out Straight's 23 litre Kerbside Caddy and 5 litre Solid Kitchen Caddy this autumn to more than 10,000 homes on a trial scheme. The Council has chosen to use compostable liners with their Kitchen Caddies and approached Straight about developing a product that residents could use to indicate when they require more liners.

The Council's design brief was quite specific and strict deadlines were also set to ensure that the scheme was rolled out on time. The Council wanted to ensure that the system was extremely efficient and easy for both residents and collection crews to use. A small indicator attached to the Kerbside Caddy was considered the best option for this purpose to meet all of the Council's requirements.

The unique BagFlag™ fits onto the back handle of the 23 litre Kerbside Caddy providing a permanent and effective way for residents to request liners. BagFlag™ can either be fitted during the production of the Kerbside Caddy or fitted retrospectively and as the flag remains attached to the caddy at all times, it cannot be lost.

Manufactured from tough, flexible, bright yellow rubber, the durable BagFlag™ is fully waterproof making it ideal for outdoor use. Its bright colour means that the flag is also highly visible, even in dark conditions. When attached to the Kerbside Caddy, the BagFlag™ rotates 270 degrees, which enables the flag to be easily flipped up when new liners are needed and discreetly folded away under the handle and out of view when not in use.

Jack Baber, New Product Development Manager at Straight said, "Straight continues to heavily invest in new product development to bring innovative products to market. We work closely with many local authorities to identify their requirements, develop their ideas and make their product suggestions a reality."

Wayne Curtis, Waste Operations Officer for Neath Port Talbot Council said, "We listen to what matters to the residents of Neath Port Talbot and through our successful partnership with Straight, we believe that we have designed a simple, but very effective method of receiving replacement bags. It is important that the collection systems are, whilst effective, easy to use. After reviewing the first phase, the trial will expand over the forthcoming months."