I’m pleased to see Taipei making upgrades to the public infrastructure. For example, they’re installing lighted, covered bus stops in many locations. Apparently, another one of the city’s quality-of-life improvements is the installation of new, very expensive, public garbage cans.
I’ve already mention previously that Taipei used to have public garbage cans, then they instituted a pay-per-the-bag garbage scheme and had to remove the public garbage because everyone was dumping their household garbage to avoid paying. One trip later and the garbage cans had been returned.
This trip I’ve noticed that the garbage cans frequently have household garbage just piled up in bags next to them. Perhaps that, in some way, is why the new garbage cans are being installed, although I fail to see how they are superior in any practical fashion.
In any case, the new garbage cans are going out and they’re being stolen by people who want nice, new solid metal garbage cans at home.
But pictured here is one that really puzzled me. This new garbage can has been mounted on the street and is still in the city of Taipei wrapping paper. Further down the street, you can see the old square garbage can next to the bus stop sign.
Here’s my question: What possible reason would there be to install a garbage can and wait before opening it for public use? Does it have to be prepped in some way?
Looking closer, here’s something even funnier: It’s already filled with garbage, anyway.
