The Tenderloin has to replace its fancy trash bins. No one knows with what.

The Tenderloin Community Benefit District faces a crisis after losing funding for its 76 solar-powered trash bins, which were installed to combat street litter. President Kate Robinson fears a disruption in trash services as the city’s Department of Public Works struggles to deliver its own bins. The CBD must now pay over $150,000 to terminate its contract with Bigbelly, which runs until September 2026. Robinson pointed out that the city should have coordinated better to avoid service gaps. Former CBD head Simon Bertrang underscored the city's obligation to ensure adequate waste management.

Many community leaders express concern over the lack of a long-term trash management plan. The costly Bigbelly bins, leased at $150 per month, have not shown clear benefits in reducing litter, especially with the rise of sidewalk encampments. The situation has forced other districts, like the Castro Community Benefit District, to revert to traditional city trash cans due to uncertain funding.