I can has solar-powered trash compactors?

[giza]

Been seeing these popping up in Center City Philadelphia over the last few weeks:



I'm guessing there must be some benefit to these, as regular trashcans have been replaced by these units. There are solar cells on top (the top is transparent, even if it doesn't look it from this picture), which I'm assuming powers a trash compactor inside.

Comments

[woodychitwn.livejournal.com]

Chicago has been using these for a while now... The solar-panel powers a trash-compactor which allows for up to 5-Times as much garbage to be stored. It allows for fewer pickups and less fuel for the garbage trucks.

[giza.livejournal.com]

I wonder if it can successfully compact my old bowling ball!

[topher-fox.livejournal.com]

i will pay to watch this.

[woodychitwn.livejournal.com]

hahahahahahaNO.


I have been curious about dropping an Aerosol can in there however...

[petercat.livejournal.com]

Only if it's blended, first.

[agrajag-fur.livejournal.com]

We have lots of those in my city in the UK - It's very touristy. Also our railway stations have newspaper recycling bins too.

[heraldotbadger.livejournal.com]

It's a good idea, I like it. But it seems to have separate holes for each bottles and paper recycle, which then combines in one bin anyway. I guess just to make it clearer that side is for recycle and not trash ...

[mrianti.livejournal.com]

they haven't been stolen yet ?

[roninotter.livejournal.com]

We've had these in Boston for a couple of years. All they are is trash compactors which are solar-powered. The benefit being more trash can be collected in each emptying trip, and at no extra electric usage cost, but other than that, they're kinda gimmicky.

[quasiskunk.livejournal.com]

Better hope it stays sunny all the time:)

[omnibahumut.livejournal.com]

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

[searedice.livejournal.com]

We've had them in the University City part of Philly for about a month. Today, I literally saw a woman put her trash on the ground rather than use this thing. I guess it looked too complicated?

[meow-tuna.livejournal.com]

Superbin! Collects AND crushes your rubbish!

[mbumby.livejournal.com]

I like that. Of course I like anything that might encourage recycling. And regarding the one ... woman ... mentioned above, there are people who throw away their returnable cans too -- I think they think they're protesting something.

[wildw0lf.livejournal.com]

I guess it remains to be seen how long those will hold up before the compactor jams, or if someone shoves a whole complete can of soda in there and waits to hear it explode, and destroys the thing...

Nice idea though, they must have cost a bit.