this post was submitted on 23 Mar 2026
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Mildly Interesting

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[–] Krelis_@sh.itjust.works 92 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (4 children)

If I'm honest if it's only illumination, that doesn't seem like the most efficient use of resources and energy (to build and eventually dispose of these electronics) in a populated area that's likely to have adequate street lighting.

that said it looks like a pretty neat waste separation design

[–] 667@lemmy.radio 28 points 1 week ago (2 children)

There is a possibility this panel feeds into a larger solar collection system, and is a clever use of a distributed solar surface.

[–] anomnom@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 week ago

Or that there is an electric compactor in there

We have those in US cities one company that makes them is BigBelly.

Most of the solar powered electronics are for compacting trash, and then alerting the collectors when they are full. I’ve never seen a lit bin, but it’s a nice touch.

[–] Slab_Bulkhead@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago

which one dispenses the gutter oil? /s

[–] zr0@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 week ago

Agree. However I like the idea of marking bins with a colored LED light, which is visible from all sides. Would make it a lot easier to figure out where you can put your trash. And a couple of LED, coupled with a solar panel and some electronics is probably reasonable for the amount of people who would be motivated to walk those couple meters to throw away the trash.

[–] BeMoreCareful@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

I think they've got a lot of that basic electronics manufacturing down to the point where it's a "why not."

Sort of like throwing a coat of paint on it.

[–] Soulphite@reddthat.com 1 points 1 week ago

Plot twist: It all feeds into one single bin.

[–] noughtnaut@lemmy.world 40 points 1 week ago

The solar powered bins in Denmark aren't lighted, but they have built-in trash compactors so they don't need to be emptied as often.

[–] Retail4068@lemmy.world 16 points 1 week ago (3 children)

It almost definitely connects to the power grid and is just a clever place to put them.

[–] blockheadjt@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 week ago

Joke?

I would have gone with "what a waste... bin"

[–] whyNotSquirrel@sh.itjust.works 13 points 1 week ago

Aren't the streets light enough? 🤨

[–] NachBarcelona@piefed.social 11 points 1 week ago

Ah yes, the monolithic entity that is China.

[–] _deleted_@aussie.zone 9 points 1 week ago (1 children)

If only my girlfriend … oh, never mind.

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Did you just call your girlfriend a trash can?

[–] _deleted_@aussie.zone 6 points 1 week ago (2 children)

If only my girlfriend could illuminate her holes at night.

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago

An Arduino and some LEDs should do the trick.

[–] Honytawk@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 week ago

You'll need an upgrade to the Mk2 version, but those lights are a subscription service.

[–] Maxxie@piefed.blahaj.zone 5 points 1 week ago

You gotta admit, that's a sick looking trash can

[–] BagOfHeavyStones@piefed.social 5 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

The round hole looks a bit hard on the knees.

[–] lechekaflan@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

Producing LEDs there are so cheap that they do have been used for even the most ludicrous applications, such as fingertip lights, solar-powered road cateyes, and of course, illuminating trashcans.

Has anyone ever seen a public garbage bin in a place that wasn't already well-lit? I haven't.

[–] HubertManne@piefed.social 4 points 1 week ago

In the us they only provide first order holes for the public.

[–] carrylex@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

I love how in the last picture there is a street light right next to it...

[–] maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I think I worked out what can go in left and right holes. Is the middle a handle for opening unit?

[–] Anafabula@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I see. That's a picture under the hole, not a slit. I think you got it. Thanks.

[–] nightofmichelinstars@sopuli.xyz 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

They look pretty different. How many versions are there?

[–] TimeNaan@lemmy.world 1 points 1 week ago

It looks cool but kind of pointless. At least it doesn't waste energy, only resources required for manufacture I guess 🤷‍♂️

[–] urandom@lemmy.world -1 points 1 week ago

That’s rather wasteful. There’s no sunlight at night