Industrial - Bachelor
COMPAX is a portable, collapsible waste compaction bin designed to make camping cleaner and more sustainable. It reduces rubbish volume, prevents leaks and odours, and is easy to transport. By improving convenience and hygiene, COMPAX encourages responsible waste management and helps reduce environmental impact in outdoor settings.
Australia’s growing camping and four-wheel-driving culture has led to increasing environmental pressure on national parks and recreation areas. One of the most preventable yet persistent issues is poor waste management. Many campers struggle to manage rubbish effectively due to limited space, odour and liquid leaks, and the inconvenience of transporting waste. As a result, dumping, burning, and leaving rubbish behind have become common behaviours that harm wildlife, pollute natural habitats, and diminish the experience for others. Current waste solutions, such as simple plastic bin bags or rigid containers, fail to address these practical challenges. They often lack durability, spill resistance, and the ability to compact rubbish, which causes bulkiness and mess. This creates a clear need for a product that makes waste disposal easier, cleaner, and more responsible — one that supports sustainable camping habits while protecting the natural environments that make outdoor recreation so valuable.
COMPAX is a portable, collapsible waste compaction bin designed to make camping cleaner and more sustainable. It reduces rubbish volume, prevents leaks and odours, and is easy to transport. By improving convenience and hygiene, COMPAX encourages responsible waste management and helps reduce environmental impact in outdoor settings.
Once set up at camp, the user simply extends COMPAX and inserts a regular bin liner. I wanted to ensure it remained compatible with standard bags to make it as practical as possible. When the bin fills up, instead of pushing rubbish down by hand, which is messy and unhygienic, the user simply presses down on the top of COMPAX.
The side mechanisms are spring loaded and are able to lock into the side steps at the lowest point, locking the waste into place and stopping it from rebounding.
The user can then leave it compacted temporarily to create more space quickly, or leave it overnight to allow the waste to settle and mould into a dense, compact form that resists rebound.
If a larger disposal bin is nearby, COMPAX can be wheeled over using its extendable handle and terrain-ready wheels, designed to handle sand, dirt, and gravel. It also includes a drain hole and plug for easy cleaning and liquid management
Flynn is an emerging industrial designer driven by curiosity and a passion for creating thoughtful, user-centred products. His work focuses on blending functionality, simplicity, and refined form to improve everyday experiences. Inspired by time spent outdoors, Flynn values sustainable design approaches that connect people with their environment through practical and considered solutions.