In fact, trash can history has several interesting facts that you will be surprised to know. Read on to know how these waste disposal containers have become a part of our lives now.
Trash Container Fact #1
The main waste materials during ancient times were pieces of bones, wood, and vegetable waste. People placed the waste in pits dug in the ground and allowed it to decompose. Another common way to decompose waste was to burn it. In many communities, people threw the waste on the street.
Trash Container Fact #2
First-Ever Garbage CollectionThe credit goes to the Romans who devised waste collection in a wagon in 200 AD. Unlike the present-day waste basket units, people tossed the waste into the collection wagon, which took it to a distant isolated site.
Trash Container Fact #3
Evolution of the Trash CansIn the 1300s, the unsanitary conditions caused by piling up and rotting garbage led to the Black plague that claimed many lives. This spurred on the rulers to make stringent garbage collection rules. In 1407, a British law passed requiring people to store waste in homes until rakers removed it.
In 1875, people followed a proper garbage collection system and this is when the first trash receptacle made its appearance. In 1914, incinerators finally became the standard method for disposing of waste. The trash collected from the bins in horse-driven carts or motor cars was burnt in the incinerators.
Trash Container Fact #4
The First Garbage BinsInitially, the waste baskets used in the 1800s were made of wood or metal. People emptied the waste collected in these bins every week and they had to pay for the emptying. Nowadays, trash cans are available in different types of materials. These include stainless steel, plastic, concrete, etc.
Concrete bins are ideal for outdoor garbage collection where you need durable containers. The Wausau Made 53 Gallon Concrete Trash Receptacle is made of concrete to provide good durability while appearing classy and beautiful. 32-gallon trash can types are also available if you need a smaller sized can.
Trash Container Fact #5
Daily Waste DisposalThe present-day closed trash cans derive their design idea from the first-ever garbage containers used in France. In 1883, Eugene Poubelle, an official in the French government, formed the Poubelle Law, which entails the use of closed trash cans.
French citizens had to collect household waste in different containers based on their recycling capacity. For instance, rotting waste was disposed of in a separate trash receptacle, cloth and paper in one, and glass, oyster shells, and pottery in another. This may also be the first recycling project in history.
Trash Container Fact #6
Eugene Pubelle is credited for inventing the first-ever metal trash can. Until plastic trash cans were used prevalently, metal cans were the staple in most households. Nowadays, materials like concrete are also used for making trash cans.
In 1893, Gustav Adolf Scholsky invented a type of trash bag for transporting waste. Special frames held the bags in place. These frames were removed later while loading the bags on transportation carriages.
The credit for the first plastic trash can goes to Charles Harrison. He is acclaimed as the father of the plastic waste basket. This African-American designer has several other inventions to his credit. These include the View-Master, riding lawn mower, cordless shaver, etc.
Trash Container Fact #7
Heavy Duty Trash CansIn the wake of the Paris bombings, where bombs placed inside trash cans ended in mayhem, Paris replaced all its bins with trash bags. Britain, however, had other ideas on countering such attacks. It used heavy duty trash cans with anti-explosive properties. The cans are made of materials that are four times sturdier than steel cans.
Many residential households also use sturdy steel cans that are resistant to wildlife attacks. For instance, the TuffBoxx Grizzly Animal Resistant Trash Receptacle is made of durable galvanized steel, which is rust-resistant and can withstand the harshest weather conditions. The reinforced corner brackets offer protection from wildlife tampering.
Trash Container Fact #8
Make Cash from TrashTo motivate recycling, some of the trash bins in Portland, Oregon come with separate slots for disposing of bottles and cans. The enterprising public can take such recyclable trash and claim a refund of their deposit.
Aluminum, paper, electronics, etc. are some of the waste materials that can be recycled and turned into cash. Recycling is encouraged globally as it minimizes the use of natural resources, boosts the economy, and saves energy.
Trash Container Fact #9
Garbage Bags and Trash Bin LinersGarbage bags made of polyethylene were first invented by Frank Plomp, a Canadian in the 1950s. The bags helped in avoiding the tedious task of steam cleaning the trash cans in hospitals and businesses such as IBM. Later Harry Wasylyk and Larry Hansen invented the green garbage bags. Union Carbide later marketed them as Glad bags. The green garbage bags are among the best Canadian Inventions.
Receptacle liners made of rigid plastic form another great option that make cleaning of trash cans easier. They are durable and resistant to cracking even in very tough outdoor and indoor environments.
Furthermore, these are lightweight and seamless in design, making cleaning a simple and quick job. The Commercial Zone PolyTec Plastic Dome Lid Waste Container comes with a proprietary grab Bag for securing trash bags. This helps in keeping the stainless steel garbage can clean and it is easy to maintain.
Trash Container Fact #10
Pedal BinsPedal bins are garbage bins where the lid is opened by pressing a pedal attached to the bottom of the bin. This design was invented by Lillian Moller Gilbreth, an efficiency expert and industrial engineer. Invented in the 1920s, this type of 32 gallon trash can was initially used to collect kitchen waste.
Now, these are mainstay designs used in several commercial places. The convenience of disposing of waste in them makes them a preferred choice for outdoor and indoor use. Push door trash cans are also a convenient option. Replacement lids are also available, such as the Wausau Made Push Door Top Trash Receptacle Lid. It has a durable polyethylene lid that is chip- and rust-resistant.
Trash Container Fact #11
Modern and Sleek Looking BinsCommercial spaces prefer stylish and decorative waste receptacles that add a hygienic and trendy appearance. Models such as the Witt Industries Monarch Series Trash Receptacle are a type of trendy trash bins.
The stainless steel garbage can has an open top for touchless disposal. The carry handles attached to the bin help in better maneuvering and maintenance. Stadiums, arenas, hotel lobbies, and places that have sophisticated design find such receptacles ideal.
The Witt Industries trash can is of top-quality material that is fire safe. It is also resistant to corrosion and rust. Its lid is easy to remove and clean. To prevent the bin from skidding on the floor, an anti-skid base is used.
Trash Container Fact #12
Automated Trash BinsDuring the 2010s, trash bins with automated systems were introduced. The sensor fitted trash bins are of this type. These bins have an infrared detection mechanism fitted to the trash can top.
Batteries provide power for the sensors. Instead of a foot pedal lifting the lid of the trash can, the sensor with the battery power helps open the lid. This prevents the user from touching the bin to dispose of waste.
Some of the bins go a step further and add small receptacles. An air freshener can be housed here for a pleasant-smelling atmosphere.
Trash Container Fact #13
The Garbage Can Model is a popular decision-making system. This model is also named garbage can theory or garbage can process. It is related to the decision-making process where decisions are formed under high aggregate uncertainty.
The participants in an organization chaotically dump issues and probable solutions as they are formed. These may seem to be irrational from a distant perspective. Since the situation resembles the dumping of waste into a garbage can messily and chaotically, it is called the ‘garbage can process’ or ‘garbage can model.’
Trash Container Fact #14
Trash Cans in ComputersComputer operating systems have trash cans or the recycle bin where all the unwanted files can be moved to. Files are temporarily stored until a file manager deletes them. However, the files remain in the system and are deleted permanently by using the empty trash command or individually.
To Sum Up
Hope you enjoyed our facts about trash containers. Unmanaged waste can worsen the global warming situation. To counter this, several innovations are being done in the field of waste disposal. This ensures safe, cheap, sturdy, and eco-friendly options.
When it comes to trash disposal, choosing the right product can go a long way in maintaining an eco-friendly atmosphere. With products like Ex-Cell Kaiser Venue Collection Trash Receptacle, you can ensure you are contributing your bit towards keeping your environment safe and clean.