Austin Haughton
Published:
EPCOT’s solar-powered trash can rollout has reached the Italy and Japan pavilions in World Showcase, albeit with less flair than their American counterparts.
Several new solar-powered trash cans have been installed along the World Showcase promenade outside the Italy Pavilion.
The new units retain the standard brown color used by many trash cans around World Showcase. Each has a generic World Showcase compass medallion on the front rather than artwork created specifically for the Italy Pavilion.
The waste openings are concealed behind black panels labeled “TRASH” and “RECYCLE.” Foot pedals near the bottom allow guests to open the compartments without touching them with their hands.
Similar solar-powered cans have also arrived in the Japan Pavilion. Several pairs of trash and recycling bins, in addition to standalone trash cans, can be found throughout the pavilion.
Like the Italy Pavilion versions, the Japan cans are brown and decorated only with World Showcase medallions. They do not incorporate imagery, colors, or other design elements unique to Japan.
Solar panels are built into the rounded tops of the units. The collected energy powers compactors inside, allowing the cans to hold more waste before they need to be emptied. Small handles on the front provide Cast Members with access to the interior.
Disney began installing the new solar-powered trash and recycling cans around EPCOT in June. The rollout has gradually progressed through World Showcase, reaching locations including Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, France, Morocco, and Refreshment Outpost.
Unlike some customized versions introduced during the wider rollout, the new Italy and Japan cans do not feature pavilion-specific designs. This makes them noticeably different from the patriotic solar-powered cans recently installed throughout The American Adventure.
Those units have distinct white fronts, navy blue sides, gold accents, and patriotic shields bearing red and white stripes, stars, and the number “76.” The Italy and Japan cans instead use the same understated brown World Showcase appearance seen at several other pavilions.
Amid guest confusion on how to use the new trash cans, last week Disney felt it necessary to release an instructional video. During the rollout, we’ve spotted many guests having trouble with them, as we said in our first post about the new trash cans.
The cans also raise questions about accessibility. The foot pedal is great for hygiene and preventing the spread of disease, but many wheelchair users aren’t able to use it. And the trash cans are taller, meaning the flap is higher and could be difficult for some wheelchair users to pull.
Beyond wheelchair users, other guests with mobility issues may not be able to lift their foot to press the pedal or grip the flap/handle. Kids might also have trouble using the foot pedal and reaching the flap.
What do you think of the new solar-powered trash cans? Should Disney create unique designs for every World Showcase pavilion? Share your thoughts with us on social media.
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