Today’s weird news comes from Shanghai, where city officials have installed 10 solar-powered talking garbage cans at People’s Square. Solar energy powers the bin’s voice, which directs pedestrians to the nearest toilets.

Each bin also features a map that is lit up at night with solar power. The map displays surrounding roads and public facilities. According to the Huangpu District Sanitation Bureau, 480 talking trash cans will eventually be placed on main streets around the city.

While Shanghai’s talking bins may not be revolutionary, they provide an opportunity for millions of citygoers to see solar power in action.

Photo Credit: Greenlaunches

Ariel Schwartz (374 Posts)

Ariel Schwartz was formerly the editor of CleanTechnica and is a contributor at Fast Company, Inhabitat, Triple Pundit, SF Weekly, and NBC Bay Area Online. A graduate of Vassar College, she has previously worked in publishing, organic farming, documentary film, and newspaper journalism. Her interests include permaculture, hiking, skiing, music, relocalization, and cob (the building material). She currently resides in San Francisco, CA.