Look! Trash System Labeling

We got to tour the new California Academy of Sciences last night, and while there were many things about the green building that impressed us, the way they've labeled their trash system really caught our eye.

We think that the "landfill" label is really genius - it makes us think much more about where the things we're throwing away end up. We're definitely considering implementing this system at home.

Comments (11)

Those are some nice looking cans!

posted by revolution9 on October 17th 2008 at 8:47am
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They should have these things everywhere! Syracuse had large bins with slots for paper, bottles/cans, and trash in every classroom, but now that I'm taking classes at Boston U., they have NOTHING!

posted by michpc on October 17th 2008 at 8:56am
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Cool looking bins, but the little lettering on them would drive me nuts! In Seattle plastic bags can go in the recycle bin (as long as they are all stuffed inside each other).

posted by lurker2209 on October 17th 2008 at 8:57am
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I hate when I walk buy one of these divided cans and people either deliberately or stupidly or carelessly (not that there's really an excuse) don't bother to separate. I always want to ask what prevented them from extending their arm a bit further to put the plastic bottle in the recycling vs the trash slot!

posted by Enamorada on October 17th 2008 at 8:58am
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Visually, they look a lot like the trash cans I'd find at train stations in Tokyo.

The labels are clever, though. They'd really make me think about what I was throwing away.

posted by Mrs.Mack on October 17th 2008 at 9:04am
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I was there yesterday too, and I loved the landfill label for the exact same reason: Oh yeah, that stuff does have to go somewhere. Also loved the posters about eco benefits of drinking tap water above all the water fountains. And, it must be said, the fabulous living roof!

posted by paintitbright on October 17th 2008 at 9:27am
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In Dallas, plastic bags are recyclable.

I love these labels. Filing away for future use....

http://embritadesign.blogspot.com

posted by EmmieB on October 17th 2008 at 9:38am
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In NYC, Whole Foods has 'landfill' written on their trash cans as well. Definitely made me think the first time I saw it.

posted by mc868 on October 17th 2008 at 9:44am
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I think that's a great idea. In the book Cradle to Cradle by William McDnough he talks about how everyone thinks they will take the trash "away". There really is no "away". It stays right here with us!

Great book, it will change the way you think about everything you come into contact with.

MyDesignSecrets.com

posted by MyDesignSecrets.com on October 17th 2008 at 10:12am
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I wonder if we'll ever see this design come into our homes.

We are *constantly* emptying our recycling containers. I have a compost going as well. I'd love to be able to get away from the teeny, tiny boxes that currently pass for recycling containers and into some much more substantial like this.

posted by gem on October 17th 2008 at 10:25am
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I have "TRASHCAT DOES NOT APPROVE" on our trash can, some bizarre abstract recycling logo from Microsoft Publisher's clip art for the recycle bin, and a picture of Captain Jack Sparrow for Yarrrd Waste. I like the landfill idea...there must be an appropriate lolcat somewhere.

posted by thursday on October 17th 2008 at 10:50am
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