SF supervisors press for more "total-containment" cans as Public Works and Recology expand sensors and pilots

SAN FRANCISCO — The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee held an extended hearing on Jan. 9 on public trash cans, dumpsters and pickup policies, with supervisors, Public Works, Recology, the Department of Public Health, OEWD and community benefit districts testifying on existing problems and pilot solutions.

Supervisor Matt Haney opened the hearing saying litter and overflowing or broken cans are a daily reality in many neighborhoods, especially the Tenderloin and parts of South of Market. "We have a huge problem with trash and litter on our streets," Haney said, pressing for clearer placement standards, stronger can designs and faster timelines for replacement in high‑need areas.

Jeremy Spitz, government affairs manager for San Francisco Public Works, said the city currently maintains about 3,500 public cans, approximately 1,000 of which are older concrete cans that the department plans to replace within the fiscal year at a pace of roughly 40 replacements per week. Public Works described two kinds of solar smart cans on the street (about 150 Big Bellies and roughly…