#HTE

Today’s Urban Design Observation: Weather-Dependent Trash Cans

This simple steel wire-mesh trash basket is a staple of many an NYC neighborhood. In recent years I’ve noticed that various neighborhoods’ B.I.D.s (Business Improvement District committees) have been lining them with trash bags, as seen here.

I presume this is an effort to make emptying the can a little easier or tidier. They also stop the cans from leaking, as people will unthinkingly toss half-full drinks in there.

The problem with this comes on a windy day, when the wire mesh allows the breeze to pass right through, turning the bags inside-out. 

This one wasn’t very full when I snapped the photo, but you can see that the few things that were inside the bag have been ejected.