New solar-powered trash and recycling cans have arrived in EPCOT’s France Pavilion. We spotted the new cans throughout the pavilion, but with two different looks. One design sits near the front of the pavilion along World Showcase. The other design sits in the back, near the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure expansion area. Here’s a look around!
EPCOT’s Solar Trash Can Rollout Reaches France Pavilion
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- New solar-powered trash and recycle cans have replaced the old designs at the France Pavilion
- The new cans use the same World Showcase medallion and green scrollwork themes as before, mostly
- The rollout is part of a broader push already seen in numerous World Showcase pavilions
New Solar Trash Cans in France Pavilion
Two design styles of the new cans are now in place at France. The design found in the “front” of the pavilion uses a brown finish with the bronze World Showcase compass medallion. That design already appears at other pavilions in World Showcase. The design at the “back” of the pavilion, near the Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure queue, keeps a green finish with a scrollwork pattern instead.
Each can uses the same solar-powered compactor and sensor technology we’ve documented elsewhere in World Showcase. A solar panel sits under the clear lid. It keeps an internal battery charged, so the compactor keeps running even on a cloudy day. Guests can easily open the can two ways. They can pull the handle, or they can step on the foot pedal below it. Either way, the design can be hands-free for anyone juggling food or drinks. The same sensor found on other units alerts custodial Cast Members once a can fills up, cutting out the need for a tedious manual check.
Comparing the Old and New Designs
The old cans had a rounded head with a flat top. A simple circular hole served as the drop-in opening for recycling. The trash bin was found behind a flap. Etched scrollwork ran across the front and sides of the old trash can. The new cans trade that flat top for a curved-top solar-paneled lid. Scrollwork etching has changed too, landing on the side panel only and leaving the front door plain.
We’ll give this one a passing grade, but not a perfect design replacement. The functional upgrade, however, is a clear win. Solar power, more capacity, and easy, hands-free opening all beat the old design.
Story So Far
- December 2024: The solar-powered smart cans debuted as a single-unit pilot at the Germany Pavilion.
- May 2025: The pilot expanded to roughly 10 cans along Germany’s main walkway ahead of that year’s EPCOT Food & Wine Festival.
- June 2026: The cans began spreading to the Mexico, Norway, and China pavilions, with a matching solar-powered recycling can added for the first time.
- June 2026: Disney confirmed plans to bring the cans to all four theme parks, both water parks, and Disney Springs.
- July 2026: The cans made their first indoor appearance at the Mexico Pavilion, minus the solar panel lid.
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!