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Look!: Solar-Powered Trash Cans

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On a recent outing to Vancouver, we spotted the much hyped solar-powered trash cans. Why does it need solar power?

 
 
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Well the trash can sucks up solar energy to charge its battery, which compacts the trash as the can gets full. Not only does this save electricity, but it reduces the frequency of trash pickup. Has anyone spotted one of these in their hometown?

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Comments (11)

Do me a favor would you - when you post about any place called "Vancouver" please tell us which one (USA or Canada). ;->

posted by boomer on August 16th 2007 at 11:08am
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I understand that Toronto (Canada) will be installing these garbage containers in the near future.

posted by Michelle of Montreal on August 16th 2007 at 11:12am
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We have these all over Boston. However, I understand they need to be closed to compact trash, and ours become so full, they can't close any more - I guess nobody discussed with Public Works exactly *how* infrequently the garbage should be picked up.

posted by annoushka on August 16th 2007 at 11:16am
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Um, no one goes on at outing to Vancouver, Washington.

posted by JefferyK on August 16th 2007 at 11:35am
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Crazy, but cool idea!

posted by kate on August 16th 2007 at 11:35am
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I just ate lunch at the Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, NM and several people used the solar-powered trash can near the fountain...

posted by nmbosque on August 16th 2007 at 1:08pm
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The ones in Boston are rather large for our narrow sidewalks, which creates bottlenecks for pedestrians. Looking forward to a more slender re-design.

posted by SMM on August 16th 2007 at 2:16pm
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I'm also in Boston, but I'm not around them enough to notice their impact. Its also worthy to note that their design makes them impervious to critters small and large. The mailbox-like slot keeps the bears at bay.

posted by ericdfields on August 17th 2007 at 3:30am
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there was a story about them a few weeks ago on npr about how they're using them in chicago on the beaches, which has the added bonus of keeping seagulls away from the beach.

posted by dahlia on August 17th 2007 at 7:20am
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I just gotta ask... what about the smell??? on a lovely summer day??

posted by Alice on August 19th 2007 at 10:42am
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We have some in Providence. They don't smell.

posted by ADB on August 21st 2007 at 6:38am
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