Saturday, July 11, 2009

Trash Talk

The Way To A Conservationist’s Heart, Er, Art

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


I have to admit it’s not often that we get to train our cameras on garbage bins, but this week’s theme really had me thinking. Yes, I’ve got some shots of huge dumpsters; yes, I’ve got some shots of festival trash. But did I really want to publish them? I racked my brain to try and think if there was anything from left field.

That’s when I remembered these shots taken on Orchard Road, the main shopping area in Singapore. Luckily I catalogue all my images in a logical manner, so it only took me a few seconds to track down the image.


I clearly remember walking briskly down Orchard Road and pretty much stopping in my tracks when I saw these brightly coloured bins.

Of course I had to shoot the sight immediately. Not just because of the bright colours, but mainly because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a trash can decorated with so much vibrant art.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Garbage''.

31 comments:

Tessa said...

Oh, that all our trash cans look like these! Such a clever way of attracting attention, too, and reminding people not to throw rubbish just anywhere.

Hilary said...

Only you could find beautiful trash bins. Very colourful. :)

James said...

Those are some fancy trash cans.
I noticed some solar powered ones in Philadelphia last weekend. Solar panels on the top so they compact every now and again.
I should have got some pictures.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

funny you should post this. i always look at trash cans when i travel and take photos as well. these are definitely the most vibrant i have ever seen!
i like the idea of asolar powered one that james mentioned.
have a wonderful weekend.

Maggie May said...

The brightest trash cans that I have ever seen. All bins should be like this.
See, I told you you could make a good picture out of rubbish!

Shey said...

I love the vibrant colors too! It encourages you more to recycle. Very pretty bins.

Nan Sheppard said...

Those are wonderful!

i beati said...

colorful but trashy Sandy

Pseudo said...

Pretty. Over here the trash cans in Waikiki all say "mahalo." My first few months here I thought it meant trash can.

Shammickite said...

When I was in London (UK) last year I couldn't find a garbage can anywhere. They've all been removed to thwart the plans of would-be terrorist bombers.

Ananda girl said...

What a great idea. I bet it has reduced litter.

Thanks for sharing them. Trash isn't generally my favorite subject, but it is today.

cheshire wife said...

They look too colourful for rubbish but if they have the desired effect, I am all for them. You can post about anything and we will read it.

Anonymous said...

We are all bound, nowadays, by the laws of some minion in an office, paid to think of ways to circumvent our happiness. Today, on any street in Britain, you will see a parade of green garbage bins, called colloquilly [as if to make them user friendly,] wheelie bins. Sage green plastic wheelie bins, all in a row, in case the 'sanitary workers' should come to some harm in the collection of them should they be unalligned. How I would love to take my paints [and a gang of like minded citizens, and cover them with gaudy designs and then wheel them down to the Council Offices and tell the faceless wonders where to stick them.And free our green and pleasant land from the wheelie bin and the officials.

Corey~living and loving said...

Great post for the theme, David. I have been so scattered...I havne't been posting much. missing out on the photohunt lately as well.

Janie said...

Somebody put a lot of effort into decorating that trash can. I'll bet it induces more people to use it, too.

Vodka Mom said...

there is NOTHING like beautiful trash....cans.....

Robynn's Ravings said...

LOVE the opening photo!!!!!

SnoopyTheGoon said...

That is a positive outlook on the thing indeed. I've taken a negative approach this time.

Cheers.

candi said...

I like these trash cans! I hope they are getting used.

Happy weekend.

ian said...

i hope the beautiful art on the garbage bins translates to awareness and action to care for the environment =] my take on the week's theme not the usual as well. hope you can visit-

annalarssonphotography said...

I love your post David and of course your shots!

I wish that every trash can could look that the ones you share with us.
It would make the world a little more colourful, happier and cleaner - for sure!

Have a great weekend!
Anna

Tara R. said...

Hopefully these colorful bins encourage people to use them. Great take on the theme.

stan said...

Tt's my hometown! I haven seen tt around. BGuess it's time I head to orchard!

jams o donnell said...

Now that is a beaut of a rubbish bin!

Gemma Wiseman said...

Certainly a range of some brightly coloured artwork!

The only place I know in Victoria that comes close is Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula! The large public bins outside the shopping centre on the Nepean Highway are highly decorated with sun and sand scenes! Unfortunately I had already used my photo on my blog!

gengen said...

Its a colorful trash can...Happy weekend.

Dave Coulter said...

Painted rain barrels are all the rage in these parts :)

srp said...

At least the cans are beautiful.. and when they have at last outlived their usefulness, perhaps they will find their way to a pop art museum.
My construction trash or garbage is up.

VioletSky said...

What a great idea - that would get me walking over to drop my garbage inside (not that I wouldn't anyway...)

Anneke (Mudhooks) said...

Great works of art! I especially like the first one!

Shadow said...

now that's nice garbage...