A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.

Described in a system and method for waste handling. The system comprises a compressing collection bin comprising a cavity and a compression platen in the cavity positioned to move within the cavity to compress waste contained therein during a compression stroke. An actuator moves the compression platen within the cavity in at least one motion selected from perpendicular motion and differential velocity. An energy storage device powers actuator and a solar panel for charges the energy storage device. At least one lift channel is provided which is capable of engaging with inversion fingers.

A storage receptacle can include a storage bin and a pedal mounted to the receptacle as well as a hopper. A method of using the storage receptacle can include receiving a force on a hopper handle of a hopper of a storage receptacle, the hopper having a cable connection point connected to a cable, based on the force, rotating the hopper to enable a user to place material in a storage bin of the storage receptacle, wherein the rotating causes the cable to have slack and preventing the cable having the slack from coming out of a groove in a pulley via a shroud positioned over at least a portion of the pulley.

An example system can include a battery-powered trash compactor or storage device that performs operations including receiving identification information via an external entity from a reader component. The reader component is connected to a control module that manages sensor components or other functions of the battery-powered storage device. The control module also controls a locking mechanism and reader component. Based on the identification information, via the control module, the battery-powered storage device unlocks the locking mechanism.

A system can include a processor and a computer-readable storage device storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations can include receiving an identification of a local device having a control module that manages a reader component and a locking mechanism and transmitting an authorized list to the local device that identifies authorized users that can gain access to the local device via the locking mechanism through interacting with the reader component. The control module on the local device can manage multiple functions of the local device including management of the reader component and the locking mechanism.

A trash can assembly includes a trash can having an interior space and a vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly comprises a top surface forming a false bottom, an elevated portion with a vacuum vent, a liquid gutter surrounding the elevated portion, and a plenum housing a vacuum motor. The vacuum motor is configured to draw air through the vacuum vent into the plenum, causing a trash bag to conform to the interior surface of the trash can. The assembly may include a controller, power source, charger port, seal indicator, status indicator, wireless control switch, and may operate in reverse mode for bag inflation or demonstration. The trash can may nest into an outer container formed of a rigid material including plastics or metals suitable for consumer waste receptacles, and connect electrically via detachable connectors. The system enhances bag capacity, aesthetics, and operational convenience.