Grünhalter aims to tackle the growing problem of dog waste pollution in the city of Kiel. With around 16,000 dogs producing approximately 500 tons of feces each year, the city currently distributes 4.7 million plastic bags annually for waste collection (an approach that unintentionally intensifies plastic pollution).
To address this issue sustainably, Grünhalter proposes a circular system that enables the conversion of dog feces into energy or usable compost for agriculture. The system consists of three core components: dispensers for biodegradable bags, storage units for collected dog waste, and composting facilities. By transforming waste into a resource, Grünhalter rethinks urban waste management through an ecological and forward-looking lens.
Grünhalter is a follow-up project to Grüner Schiet, developed through a collaboration between the School of Sustainability at Kiel University (CAU) and Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design.
Kiel, the capital and largest city of the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, has approximately 249,000 inhabitants. Located about 90 kilometers north of Hamburg, on the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea, Kiel is one of Germany’s most important maritime hubs—making it a relevant testing ground for sustainable urban solutions.
Grünhalter stations would be installed in every park in Kiel to replace the existing plastic bag system. Today, these plastic bag systems in Kiel only contribute to environmental pollution: instead of helping the city, they only make the situation worse.
Grünhalter uses a new, water-soluble bag that allows dog waste bags to be composted.
Each station has a 100-liter container that only needs to be emptied twice a week. There is also a bag dispenser that holds 300 bags and a water bowl to provide water for dogs visiting the park.
The Grünhalter can also be used at night without any problems. It detects changes in light, and when it gets dark, a subtle LED strip around the station turns on.
Like a Battery
One of the main objectives of this station, is the conversion of dog feaces into energy. The aesthetic of the station integrates this concept into the station itself.
Water Bowl
The stations have a bowl from which the dogs can drink water. The bowl can be easily fulled and cleaned, because it is an independent part from the station.
Double Container
The double container assures that the feaces stay fresher for longer time, avoiding bad odors and conglomerations of insects.
For Dogs
The station is thought for 3 users: dog owners, dogs and workers (the personal in charge to clean and empty the container).
Secure
All stations have a lock, so the only user who can change the bags and empty the container, will be an authorized and trained worker.
Grüner Schiet
This station is personalized for "Grüner Schiet" but it can also be personalized for any other project or city. }}+
The user can check in 2 ways that the cointainer is available. He can use the app, which will show if the station is full or empty enough to keep using it.
The app will also indicate where are the closes stations according to the user's location.
In an analog way, the user can see if the container is full through the perforations in the exterior container.
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