Colorful Cans

Erin Spinka

Who says trash cans are just for trash? Instead of only using receptacles for steaming refuse, several California communities are using bins to display “fine” artwork. With help from a city-sponsored grant, local artists are joining with high school students in cities such as Fruitvale, Calif., to paint new or existing trash bins around town.

The projects are intended to beautify neighborhoods and decrease litter. Officials are hoping litterbugs will see the bins and place their trash in them, rather than on the ground. On the town's main drag, 33 cans were painted. And in other neighborhoods, such as Jack London Square, plaques describing nearby historical buildings are located on beautified refuse receptacles.

Who knew trash cans would make such a creative canvas?

Source: Alameda Times-Star