Spokane replaces downtown garbage cans it rented for 106,000 per year

Spokane is replacing its downtown garbage cans after a costly experiment with "smart trash cans" from Bigbelly Waste Management, which began in 2018. The city spent $106,000 annually to lease these units, which were designed to signal staff when they were full, aiming to cut down on waste management costs. Unfortunately, the initiative faltered due to public misuse, as large items were often left outside the cans, necessitating frequent monitoring and negating the efficiency promised by the technology. The replacement project will incur a one-time cost of just over $200,000 but is expected to save the city approximately $367,000 over the next five years. The new trash cans will include separate compartments for trash and recycling, with some relocated to areas experiencing heavier foot traffic to enhance usability.

City officials have acknowledged that the transition will mean the loss of the cheerful branding featuring downtown business owners that adorned the previous cans. This move reflects Spokane's efforts to manage public resources more effectively while addressing the challenges of urban waste management. Overall, the city aims to strike a balance between functionality and public engagement in maintaining cleanliness in downtown areas.