WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Department of Public Works has begun replacing traditional outdoor trash cans at town parks, trailheads, and municipal facilities with underground waste containers designed to hold more garbage while reducing odors, pests, and maintenance.
The new subterranean containers are being installed at several public locations, including West Hartford Town Hall, as part of an effort to improve waste management and reduce the amount of time employees spend emptying trash cans.
According to the town, approximately 60% of each container is housed underground in a protective sleeve, allowing waste to remain cooler and drier than it would in conventional outdoor trash receptacles.
The underground storage helps slow decomposition, reducing unpleasant odors.
The containers also feature tightly sealed lids and deep storage compartments intended to prevent rodents, stray animals, insects, and other scavengers from accessing discarded waste.
Despite occupying a relatively small amount of surface space, the containers can hold significantly more trash than traditional receptacles.
West Hartford officials said the new containers will also reduce the workload for public works employees.
Traditional outdoor trash cans typically require emptying three or four times per week. The underground containers are expected to need collection only once a week.
The reduced collection frequency is intended to save staff time while maintaining cleaner public spaces.
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