When technology trash cans become "invisible"

Many high-tech trash cans are "invisible" as trash is still scattered right at the foot of the bins.

The VND200 billion technology trash bin model was installed with the aim of improving the problem of waste disposal and beautifying the urban landscape, bringing much hope to the people. However, after nearly 6 years of implementation, many technology trash bins seem to have become "invisible".

Despite the trash classification notes on the bins, trash is still thrown haphazardly and left on the sidewalk on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street. Photo: TT

Currently, on the streets of Hanoi, there are many technological trash bins to collect waste generated, combined with advertising exploitation in the city. The trash bin has a capacity of 240 liters and is divided into two separate compartments for non-recyclable waste (red) and recyclable waste (blue) with clear labels.

It is worth mentioning that these trash bins are designed with solar panels to light up the information board and advertisements above the trash bins. When the model was first launched, many people were very happy because the environment would be improved for the better.

However, according to observations by Hanoi Moi reporters on October 26 and 27, many high-tech trash bins have degraded, broken, and are not effective. On some major roads, trash bins are tightly closed, with trash strewn right next to them, giving off a foul odor.

Typically, on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street (Lang Ward), trash bins become wasteful and make the urban landscape less beautiful when many trash bags and clothes are thrown on the sidewalk. Due to insufficient capacity compared to the actual amount of trash, the technological trash bins are useless.

The common point that is easy to see is that although the trash cans have two separate compartments for sorting recyclable and non-recyclable waste, people do not do this but throw trash, tree branches, flowers, fruits, plastic bags, clothes, old furniture... directly into each other. Some trash cans are upside down, the trash compartment is flipped to one side, making it impossible for people to put trash in the bins, so they have to temporarily leave it on the roadside.

On Duy Tan Street, inside, the trash can core is rusted, with many large holes appearing. Photo: TT

Similarly, on Duy Tan Street (Cau Giay Ward), the high-tech trash bins are seriously degraded. The edges of the trash bins are dented, the trash bin doors are open, allowing flies and mosquitoes to breed. Inside, the core of the trash bin is rusty and has many holes. When trash such as milk tea cups, water bottles, and milk cartons are dumped, the liquid spills onto the street, creating dirty, dark stains.

Along Cau Giay Street, in front of the University of Transport, the trash bins were blocked and bricks were placed on top, making it impossible to throw trash in. Therefore, trash was thrown haphazardly at the base of trees and at the base of the trash bins, emitting a foul smell, affecting the movement of students and residents in the area.

Ms. Chu Thi Luu, a vendor in front of the gate of the University of Transport, said that the trash bins are very dirty and are not collected regularly, so even though they are full, more trash is still stuffed in, and then the trash falls onto the street, which is very unsanitary.

In front of the gate of the University of Transport, the trash bin was covered so the trash was left at the base of a nearby tree, causing unsanitary conditions. Photo: TT

On Tran Duy Hung Street (Yen Hoa Ward), trash bins are upside down on one or both sides, making it impossible to put trash in. Photo: TT

Similarly, on Tran Duy Hung Street (Yen Hoa Ward), many high-tech trash cans became useless when someone intentionally stuffed other objects into them so that people could not throw trash. Many trash cans were also turned upside down, making it impossible to put trash in.

Technology trash cans are a new way to raise people's awareness of throwing trash in the right place, contributing to creating a clean and beautiful urban landscape. However, these trash cans have not met the actual amount of waste of people, many trash cans are abandoned and degraded. If this situation continues and there are no solutions, especially regular inspection, supervision and cleaning, these technology trash cans will not achieve their original goals, causing a waste of social resources.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khi-nhung-thung-rac-cong-nghe-tro-nen-vo-hinh-721223.html