$20,000 trash cans. No kidding. San Francisco looks to roll out prototypes on street corners

[Auggie]

San Francisco Chronicle / July 21, 2021

San Francisco has long wanted to replace its universally loathed green trash receptacles seen on sidewalks all over the city. On Wednesday, a supervisors’ committee learned new prototypes will cost between $12,000 and $20,000 each.

“$20,000 a can is ridiculous,” Supervisor Matt Haney said.

Despite the high price tag, Haney agreed Wednesday — along with other committee members — to advance a proposal to design 15 trash cans for a pilot program to the full board for a vote next Tuesday. Haney said he “reluctantly” agreed because he didn’t want to further delay replacing old trash cans since the Department of Public Works worked for three years on a new prototype.

PAYWALL: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/20-000-trash-cans-No-kidding-S-F-looks-to-16331284.php#photo-21264137

From the link: The Public Works acting director agrees that the cost per can is “a lot” and added the main reason it’s so expensive is because San Francisco worked with a designer on custom-made prototype that would be cheaper when mass produced.

Nothing is available "off the rack?"



They look cool. But those things will be wrecked (vandalized) within months.

[secondwind]

1. Depends on where they are.

I lived in San Fran, we didn’t have a lot of this going on.

[Jacoby365]

2. I agree, they will be vandalized. Also, what is the point of having trash cans

if they are not emptied and just overflow onto the sidewalk and street? That is exactly what I see where I live in San Francisco. The trash cans are full, and the sidewalks are worse. Seems insane to think the city needs a custom prototype for a trash can when something "off the shelf" would work just as good. For that price, I would expect a built-in compactor and an underground conveyor belt to the local landfill.

[marble falls]

3. I'd chain whip it and hammer damage it on $16,000 price tag. I understand $1000 AF toilet ...

... seats, but I do not understand why SF had to tool up to make what is a commodity product.

[Lancero]

4. Three years. To design a trash can.

The price isn't a big issue here, it's explainable. Absurdly expensive for a trash can yes, but you're not paying for the trash can. You're paying for the development time here.

Which is the issue. Three years. To 'design' a trash can.