A container includes an enclosure housing an interior compartment for containing waste and further defining slots on sides of the enclosure for receiving lifting forks, a lockable rear lid pivotally connected to the enclosure, and an automatic unlocking mechanism actuated by lifting forks inserted into the slots for unlocking the rear lid to enable waste to be dumped from the container. The container may also be automatically re-locked when the forks are withdrawn from the slots.

A container includes an enclosure housing an interior compartment for containing waste and further defining slots on sides of the enclosure for receiving lifting forks, a lockable rear lid pivotally connected to the enclosure, and an automatic unlocking mechanism actuated by lifting forks inserted into the slots for unlocking the rear lid to enable waste to be dumped from the container. The container may also be automatically re-locked when the forks are withdrawn from the slots.

Various receptacle embodiments with expandable cavities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a receptacle comprising a first and second frame with a hinge permitting the first frame to pivot about the axis defined by the hinge to expand the volume of the cavity defined by the first and second frame is disclosed. In another embodiment, a receptacle comprising a first and second frame comprising a tension gear mated into a corresponding track is disclosed, permitting lateral movement between the first and second frames to expand the volume of the cavity defined by the first and second frame is disclosed. Other disclosed embodiments comprise lid and foot pedal assemblies as well as spring assist systems and other features.

Various receptacle embodiments with expandable cavities are disclosed. In some embodiments, a receptacle comprising a first and second frame with a hinge permitting the first frame to pivot about the axis defined by the hinge to expand the volume of the cavity defined by the first and second frame is disclosed. In another embodiment, a receptacle comprising a first and second frame comprising a tension gear mated into a corresponding track is disclosed, permitting lateral movement between the first and second frames to expand the volume of the cavity defined by the first and second frame is disclosed. Other disclosed embodiments comprise lid and foot pedal assemblies as well as spring assist systems and other features.

A multifunction receptacle is described which features different combinations of lids and/or accessories. Lids are configurable to permit the user to close the open top end of the multifunction receptacle while providing decorative or utilitarian features on the lid.

A recycling automate for receiving a spent item such as a bag or a piece of clothing, said automate comprising: an opening through which the item can be entered; a reader for registering an identification; a printer for producing a deposit receipt and/or a card reader for transfer of a token or payment of deposit for the spent item entered into the automate; a compartment for storing the spent items that has been entered through the opening, which compartment has an opening through which the automate can be emptied for the spent items.

The various embodiments herein provide a smart garbage container with animal deterrence mechanism. The smart garbage container comprises a plurality of shock absorber rings and an animal deterrent. The plurality of shock absorber rings is placed at strategically selected places in the garbage container prone to mishandling. The animal deterrent is attached to a longitudinal body surface of the garbage container. The strategically selected places primarily comprise a junction between a lower container body and a container cap, and a base of the garbage container.

The various embodiments herein provide a smart garbage container with animal deterrence mechanism. The smart garbage container comprises a plurality of shock absorber rings and an animal deterrent. The plurality of shock absorber rings is placed at strategically selected places in the garbage container prone to mishandling. The animal deterrent is attached to a longitudinal body surface of the garbage container. The strategically selected places primarily comprise a junction between a lower container body and a container cap, and a base of the garbage container.

Unitary ornamental front load containers for containing trash and/or recyclables include a container for containing the trash and/or recyclables, and an ornamental surround attached with a connector to the front load container. The attached ornamental surround defines right and left front openings aligned with right and left front pocket openings of right and left fork pockets of the container. The ornamental surround obscures from view the front sidewall, the right sidewall having the right fork pocket, the left sidewall having the left fork pocket, the rear sidewall, and the at least one hinged top of the container by an observer standing on the ground. The container and the attached ornamental surround being liftable as a unit by forks of a front loading garbage truck to empty the trash and/or the recyclables from the unitary ornamental front load container.

Unitary ornamental front load containers for containing trash and/or recyclables include a container for containing the trash and/or recyclables, and an ornamental surround attached with a connector to the front load container. The attached ornamental surround defines right and left front openings aligned with right and left front pocket openings of right and left fork pockets of the container. The ornamental surround obscures from view the front sidewall, the right sidewall having the right fork pocket, the left sidewall having the left fork pocket, the rear sidewall, and the at least one hinged top of the container by an observer standing on the ground. The container and the attached ornamental surround being liftable as a unit by forks of a front loading garbage truck to empty the trash and/or the recyclables from the unitary ornamental front load container.