Brief - The Hustle

In San Francisco, one person’s trash (can) is another’s treasure

Written by Jacob Cohen | Oct 1, 2021 7:45:39 AM

Singdhi Sokpo / The Hustle

Since 2018, San Francisco has struggled to develop a new public garbage can.

The city’s ideal can has a fullness sensor; is rollable, durable, and tamper-proof; and, most importantly, looks sexy. City officials have reportedly doubled down on the aesthetics part, and it’s driven up costs.

The city’s initial proposal placed per-can costs at <$1k. Today, estimates are closing in on $5k. San Francisco plans to procure 3.3k cans, meaning the project could ultimately total $16.5m.