Unsuck DC Metro: Trashcan for the Record Books

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Trashcan for the Record Books

In an effort to haul in tourist revenue to the flagging system, Metro has constructed the largest underground trashcan made of plywood in the western hemisphere (10' x 10' x 4') on the eastern end of the Orange/Blue platform at Metro Center.

"I'm so glad I went out of my way to come to Metro Center to see this behemoth," said one out of town visitor who casually tossed an empty Starbucks Frappuccino cup into the mammoth square. "I feel good contributing to the record breaking pile of filth. A monumental city deserves monumental trash receptacles."

"You don't really have to aim," said another tourist who'd heard about the gargantuan rubbish bin. "I just toss my garbage--food, drink, whatever--in the general direction and swish. You can't miss! It's so convenient."

Catch it soon before it fills up!

Other items:
Residents petition for security cameras at Greenbelt (Patch)

Comments (16)

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+9 Vote up Vote down

anonymous · 761 weeks ago

What was that about rats or safety? Installing a bubonic plague dispenser in the middle of the system is a brilliant way to reduce the population of this city and create jobs and some available housing.

This must be a Republican jobs plan.

+10 Vote up Vote down

Dragon of Life · 761 weeks ago

To be fair, this says as least as much about the selfishness, laziness, and stupidity of the average metro ride than it does about Metro.

3 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

+5 Vote up Vote down

GDopplerXT · 761 weeks ago

Yes indeed, quite right. This picture shows me that there are a lot of riders who just don't give a crap and are happy to throw their trash into something that is clearly not a trash can. Unfortunately there are a lot of those types in and around this city.

As my folks used to say, "this is why we can't have nice things." It's the riders to blame for this one.

+3 Vote up Vote down

ANON · 761 weeks ago

There is no apparent sign of any sort of work being done here AT ALL. Metro, like we all do, should know that if they build it, they will throw trash in it. This one's 50-50 in my book.

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anonymous · 761 weeks ago

Not necessarily. Could be the workers who work on the escalators...they set up these wooden baricades all the time.

Just watch the guys in Gallery Place eating their lunches in the system and you'll see.

+12 Vote up Vote down

Ever and Anon · 761 weeks ago

It's the new raccoon habitat enclosure. Only problem is, the raccoons took one look and bolted for the zoo. ;-)

+3 Vote up Vote down

Guest · 761 weeks ago

Be careful! Angry, irate metro riders might create a flash mob and toss disliked [and that’s putting it politely] WMATA employees in there! ;-)

I'll be the first and toss the guy whose record is listed in the post below in there since he's probably STILL working!

+2 Vote up Vote down

spotter · 761 weeks ago

NYC subway has significantly bigger plywooded off areas filled with trash.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

+5 Vote up Vote down

Mike · 761 weeks ago

I thought in NY, the plywooded off areas are the parts of the system that are NOT filled with trash?

+5 Vote up Vote down

Will · 761 weeks ago

Isn't this a security issue? Someone could dump a terrorist in there.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

0 Vote up Vote down

@kara_h · 761 weeks ago

Yes, a place where a bomb could hide was the reason the trashcans were pulled for awhile.

+6 Vote up Vote down

Godsend Conspirator · 761 weeks ago

My kids just love playing in it! They made this new game, "Find The French Fry and Eat It". Bonus points for adding a spare glob of ketchup. It's great 'cuz I don't have to worry about making them dinner.

1 reply · active less than 1 minute ago

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aleonard1 52p · 761 weeks ago

And, you're helping strengthen their immune systems!

+2 Vote up Vote down

SoBar · 761 weeks ago

Dumb question, but what is the intended purpose of the enclosure?

2 replies · active less than 1 minute ago

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Godsend Conspirator · 761 weeks ago

To prevent overcrowding DUHHH!

+3 Vote up Vote down

Anonymous · 761 weeks ago

You're going to love this one! If you look on the upper level of Metro Center immediately above this box you'll see a pylon covered in a blue tarp. This is Metro's memorial to those that have lost their lives. What does the thing look like...every other light or AC pylon in the system. It's got the names of the victims engraved on it in very small text. Guess they are planning on having lots more over the years... Either way they could have closed up the ceiling on the lower level once the work was complete and cleaned things up. I think they only work on it during the night because no one can be found during the day. Way to go Metro! /sarcasm