DES installs 'smart' waste bins on Capitol Campus

| By DES Communications

A photo of two people using one of the state Capitol’s new waste bins.
Two visitors using one of the state Capitol’s new waste bins, installed near the Winged Victory Monument. Five of these waste bins were installed last month.

Bins enhance worker safety, keep Capitol tidy

The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) installed new smart, ADA-accessible waste and recycle bins last month at several high-traffic spots on the historic West Campus to help keep the state Capitol looking beautiful.

The new bins also enhance the safety of DES crews who maintain the Capitol’s grounds. Each bin has a front door instead of a lid. This allows staff to retrieve full bags safely, rather than hoisting them waist-high over the lip of a bin—and potentially brushing against sharp, dangerous contents.

The bins are also "smart": When full, they send a signal to custodians to empty them, preventing overflows. The bins are ADA accessible, too. Each bin is equipped with a foot lever that allows a user to open the bin without touching the handle.

Visitors can see these units in action at the following locations:

  • Outside the Legislative Building, near the southeast entrance
  • At the Interpretive Center on Deschutes Parkway
  • Near the Sunken Garden and the Winged Victory Monument

Each bin features a sign with a QR code inviting passersby to visit Capitol.wa.gov.

A photo showing a person’s foot depressing the bin’s foot lever.
Each bin comes with a foot lever, so you can open the door without touching the handle.