While visiting EPCOT today, we popped into the Mexico Pavilion pyramid to find that new “solar” trash cans are now making their way indoors. Of course, we are using “solar” very loosely here, given that they are located indoors. Instead, “solar trash cans” is more of a descriptor of the new style of smart trash can that is rolling out across Walt Disney World. Because these are indoors, they appear to have had their solar panel tops removed and replaced with standard covers. Here’s a look!
Disney Installs Smart Trash Cans Inside EPCOT’s Mexico Pavilion
Disney has installed its solar-style smart trash cans inside the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT. It’s the first time we’ve seen the units placed indoors. The indoor units very likely use the same compactor and sensor technology as their outdoor counterparts, just without solar panels.
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- These indoor cans lack the solar panel found on the outdoor version, since there’s no sunlight to collect.
- The compactor, sensor, and foot pedal design otherwise carries over unchanged.
- This installation follows a broader rollout of the cans across Walt Disney World.
Smart Trash Cans Installed Inside Mexico Pavilion
Outdoors, each smart trash can relies on a solar panel built into the lid to keep its internal battery charged. Indoors, there’s no sunlight for a panel to collect, so Disney left it off the Mexico Pavilion units entirely.
That leaves these cans with a plain black top instead of the paneled lid found throughout World Showcase. The rest of the housing looks unchanged from the outdoor version we’ve covered before.
The Mexico Pavilion units use the same internal compactor as the outdoor cans, plus a foot pedal for hands-free opening. Each can also uses the same BigBelly-style fullness sensor. It alerts custodial Cast Members once a unit needs emptying.
The recycle and trash labeling on the front of each can matches its outdoor counterpart.
A Broader Rollout Across Walt Disney World
The smart cans started as a single-unit pilot at the Germany Pavilion in December 2024. Disney then expanded the pilot to more EPCOT locations in the months that followed.
Earlier this summer, we reported that the cans had begun spreading across EPCOT’s World Showcase. On that same day, Disney confirmed plans to bring the cans to all four theme parks, both water parks, and Disney Springs over the course of the year.
An indoor installation at the Mexico Pavilion suggests Disney isn’t limiting this rollout to outdoor pathways. It’s possible indoor retail and queue spaces across other pavilions and parks get the same treatment as the rollout continues.
KEEP READING:
- Wondering how this rollout started? See our original look at the very first smart trash can pilot at the Germany Pavilion.
- Curious how far the cans have spread since? Here’s Disney’s plan to bring them to every park and water park at Walt Disney World.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!