While visiting EPCOT today, we noticed a significant uptick in the number of solar-powered trash cans in the Germany Pavilion. As you may remember, EPCOT began testing the solar-powered smart trash cans late last year, but now it looks like Walt Disney World could be on the verge of expanding the high-tech cans.
EPCOT Expands Solar-Powered Smart Trash Cans
The test is still limited to the Germany Pavilion for now, but it looks like Walt Disney World is preparing for a parkwide rollout of the smart trash cans. We spotted roughly 10 solar-powered trash cans in use throughout the Germany Pavilion – replacing a lot of the standard trash cans along the main walkway and nearby seating area.
EPCOT is in a unique spot as Walt Disney World’s only “food festival” theme park. During the seasonal festivals, guests throw away a LOT of trash as they move from food kiosk to food kiosk – certainly more than a normal day at the park.
The new trash cans that Disney is piloting utilize solar power to operate an in-can compactor to allow for more trash to enter the can before it fills up. In speaking with Cast Members, we learned that the trash can is also smart – signaling the custodial team when a trash can needs to be changed. This can allow for better operational efficiency and deployment of Cast Members – or fewer Cast Members, depending on how Disney wants to staff.
It is our understanding that if the Germany test goes well, we should see these solar-powered trash cans spread throughout World Showcase, and perhaps the entire EPCOT theme park by the time the 2025 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival kicks off August 28th.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
