Where to Recycle, A Google Maps Mashup
July 20th, 2006 by Jim SpadacciniOver the last two months, we’ve been working on our first Google Map Mashup using the Google Maps API. Our client has given us permission to release the site to solicit feedback. The application is (of course) in “Beta.”
Where to Recycle in Torrance, California allows city residents to easily find recycling centers based on the items they wish to recycle. The concept is simple: the easier it is to recycle, the more recycling will happen.
We conducted a card sort and worked with the City to try to come up with logical categories for items. In addition, we added a “Find As You Type” search function.
An extensive administrative back-end allows the City to easily update locations and items (see image below). We’ve made extensive use of Ajax for both the front- and back-end of the application, making tasks simpler and improving usablity.
Where to Recycle will be part of a larger web presence focusing on recycling in the city, to be released in the Fall. In the meantime, please feel free to try out Where to Recycle, we’d appreciate any comments you might have.
August 7th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
Wow, this is beautiful, I love it! So simple, so pleasing to the eye, so easy to use, such a good cause!
I’m hosting a website that is currently under development for a group of environmentaly concerned organizations (some specific environmental organizations and some more general organizations) in Norway. The site is about how to live a greener life in a specific city in Norway, and I’ve been dreaming of setting up something like this on that site! Except that this is much better than anything I’ve ever imagined!
Will it be possible for others to install this on their servers and use it for their cities? This could really make the world a better place if it got spread to as many cities as possible! We don’t have much money but we’d give you a lot of love (non-physically speaking) and tell everyone about you if we where allowed to use this!
August 7th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Borge,
We’re currently talking with our client about what would be involved in sharing the software. We’ll get back to you.
Jim
August 7th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
Great! Thank you!
Please send me an e-mail when you have more information (yes, that e-mail adress does work)!
August 18th, 2006 at 7:46 am
Borge,
Just wanted to let you know, the City is actively exploring this option. No word yet, but I will let you know.
Jim
January 24th, 2007 at 11:00 am
So, it’s been a long time, and I haven’t heard anything new from you. I’ve recently started working with one of the organisations I mentioned in my first comment to expand the “live a greener life” guide to Oslo, the capital of Norway, and that reminded me of this amazing website. But now it seems that the site is down. I hope that’s just temporarily!
So, do you know anything more about this now? I really hope you have some good news for me soon!
February 7th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Borge,
Please contact me directly, I have good news about the software. We can share, although I will need to spell out the details.
Best.
Jim