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Future of Trash Bins = Compacted?

Posted by Tanja / July 26, 2006

9 Comments

july2606-compactor.jpgAfter trying out both big and small sizes in the semi-functional trash bin category, perhaps the next step for the city is something that takes action.

Our friends over in Boston are trying out these new trash compacting bins around town. The bin is totally solar powered and compacts trash into squares so that there is less mess, less need for maintenance and never an overflowing bin. Of course, to fit with Toronto's needs and environmental conciousness, these would need to be outfitted with room for recyclables as well.

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Chester Pape / July 26, 2006 at 11:25 am
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In Ottawa they used to (and may still) have compacting trash bins installed in the food court at the Rideau Center. They talked too, thanking the user for not littering, it was a little too HHGTG for me...
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Gloria / July 26, 2006 at 11:46 am
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That's hilarious. I love crazy friendly machines, like microwaves that scroll a message telling you to enjoy your dinner.

Tanja ... did you see this on BoingBoing? If so, there's also a cool story on rubber sidewalks, made from recycled tires.
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Mike Caputo / July 26, 2006 at 11:51 am
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I've seen these on teh Discoverey Channel a few weeks ago.. Great idea, i hope they come to Toronto!
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Tanja / July 26, 2006 at 01:06 pm
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Didn't catch the rubber sidewalks story... but that sounds like trouble in July heat!
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Mark Dowling / July 26, 2006 at 03:06 pm
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The rubber sidewalks story is in the globe - looks like a neat idea, especially for trees, not to mention that it's a use for recycled tires!

http://tinyurl.com/gl9of
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Jeff / July 26, 2006 at 03:35 pm
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Most garbage trucks have the capacity to compact trash. Adding trash compactors to the bins is redundant and a waste of money.
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Jeremy Wilson / July 26, 2006 at 06:13 pm
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Uh Jeff, the point is to minimise the number of pickups required, to save money.
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chris / July 27, 2006 at 11:40 am
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yeah, i know they have those talking bins at sherway gardens. creepy. they also have them at almost all mcdonald's now. i'm not entirely sure that the reduction in waste volume balances what goes into making all the machinery (which eventually gets disposed too...)
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Jeff / July 28, 2006 at 08:28 am
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Yes, for a capacity standpoint, the number of pickups required can be reduced by using the compacting cans. However, garbage stinks and needs to be picked frequently or else the smell will proliferate our streets.
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