Tenderloin’s New “BigBelly” High-Tech Trash Cans feat. Local Artists

Thank you KALW for letting us know that smart trash cans were installed in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood.

Last month, San Francisco Supervisor Matt Haney announced the installation of 68 smart trash cans into the Tenderloin neighborhood. The project aims to provide the Tenderloin with the same amenities as any other San Francisco district. 

The “BigBelly” trash cans are tamper-proof and can hold 5 times the volume of regular city cans. The new cans are also solar powered and collect data to streamline pickup services, saving the city money on collection long term. 

The Supervisor also tweeted that, “By the end of June, every intersection in the Tenderloin will have a new Bigbelly trash can decorated by seven local artists.” The Bigbellies were strategically placed, not only based on need, but in some cases, to correspond with the murals also done by the same artist. 

By the end of June, every intersection in the Tenderloin will have a new Bigbelly trash can — decorated by seven local artists.https://t.co/FVi9nLw80O

— Matt Haney (@MattHaneySF) June 18, 2020

https://t.co/M2m925aCOg Since COVID, the Tenderloin has seen a nearly 300% increase of homeless residents. Many were forced out of homeless shelters after capacity was limited due to social distancing. With more people on the streets, trash levels have gotten out of hand. pic.twitter.com/V62rcnA15z

— KALW (@KALW) June 18, 2020