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RFID-Ready Trash Bins Can and Will Betray You

Recycle Bank Bins

Recycle Bank BinsRemember when internet refrigerators were attempting to become popular, way back in, like… 2001? Or, rather, I’m pretty sure all they did was attempt – I dunno anyone with an internet-ready fridge. Anyway, speaking of, the internet is in the garbage now.

No, for real. This is Big Brother stuff, right here. In an attempt to increase recycling awareness, the city of Cleveland is installing RFID chips into new garbage and recycling bins, to keep tabs on your waste-handlings.

What are those chips for? Why, to tell on you. If you haven’t brought your recycling bin to the curb for awhile, sanitation folk will come to your house and root through your garbage. If more than 10% is recyclable material, you’re fined 100 bucks. Simple as that.

Currently, the project involves 25000 households, and the city plans to cover all of Cleveland in the next five years.

I’m all for recycling, and champion initiatives to increase awareness, but isn’t this a little excessive? I mean, what if they came to look through my trash for recyclables and found the bodies? This is a downright Facebookian violation of privacy, right here.

What do you think?

Avatar of Ty Dunitz

Written by Ty Dunitz

Ty is an illustrator who stays up too late and must wear glasses. You can follow him on Twitter if you want to (@glitchritual), but he's just gonna throw your stupid PR crap in the garbage, so don't email him.

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