Bins: we tend to pay them little heed... until they aren't there. Most bins are functional, unremarkable receptacles. But just occasionally, a trash can will stand out through its design or its location and make you think: "My god, look at that wonderful bin". This article is an homage to the flashy trashy.
Consider this part of our ongoing celebration of street furniture, which includes phone boxes, post boxes, bollards, coal hole covers and benches.
1. The Super Bin
Lionel Stanhope's NHS Superman was all over the socials when it first appeared during the pandemic period. The street art, beneath Waterloo East, is powerful and eye-catching, but is often obscured by giant wheelie-bins from neighbouring businesses.
2. Barnet's playground bins
Barnet Council often gets a ribbing from disgruntled locals, but you have to hand it to them... their novelty bin selection is second to none. This quintet were all spotted in playgrounds within the borough.
3. "We bin our gum"
Never bite into an apple if you're walking into the Square Mile. The City's bin provision is three levels below sub-optimal. Gum chewers are, however, well catered for. These "In the Square Mile we bin our gum" signs appear all over the City, above small post-mounted gum receptacles.
4. Ballot bins
After Brexit, many of us felt that referendums were a rubbish idea. So why not take them to the natural conclusion? Behold the ballot bin, where you're nudged into garbage deposition with a tantalising binary question. For the record, the South is the best side of the river.
This trashy enfranchisement is more commonly seen in the form of fag-butt bins. I can't help thinking that the one above needs a third option: "Leave it a few days and come back at a less popular time".
5. Audrey Hep'bin
Spotted in Carshalton. A google search suggests that this is a one-off rather than a commercially available novelty. Should you wish to create your own, other options include Dustbin Bieber, Greta Garbage, Trashley Judd and Osama Laden-Bin (probably not a good idea).
6. Excel's bizarre-o commemorative bins
I'm not sure if these recycle bins are part of the official commemoration, or just coincidentally placed. Either way, Excel (which has since given up its 'ExCeL' stylings) has form when it comes to waste removal. The basement contains a giant skipper full of food waste, which is broken down by worms (below).
7. More street art bins
NHS Superman isn't the only one skulking around behind bins. Just a couple more examples from south London. The work above by Remi Rough and System can be found near East Dulwich station, while the hazmatic concoction below is on Croydon Road near Penge.
8. Missing image
And finally, a Spitalfields bin that hasn't fully downloaded.
Spotted a novelty bin in your area? Let us know below.
