Things changed for the garbage can earlier this month in our alley way. The Blue Box recycling bins were introduced. How is the garbage can coping?

Blue Boxes appeared out of nowhere and have multiplied like Tribbles from Star Trek.  At first the reaction was favourable for the garbage can. Many people didn’t like these Blue Boxes. Complaints ranged from being too gaudy, too big, too blue, too new, and too trendy.

Calgarians like their garbage. They like their adorable little garbage cans too. Sure they’ve been kicked around by kids and have come face to face with the end of a baseball bat, but gosh darn it they are cute. Garbage cans bring back many great memories. We have sentimental feelings for Oscar the Grouch.

Calgarians are back to complaining about parking and traffic jams. We are starting to get used to the Blue Box and are actually starting to....gulp....like them. Blue Boxes are even starting to look attractive next to the garbage can.

Unlike garbage cans, Blue Boxes don’t stink. Blue Boxes have wheels. They don’t put a strain on your back. They don’t dent or make as much noise, so they aren’t as much fun to kick around as garbage cans. 

Blue Boxes are easy to love. Garbage cans are stoic, but lonely. On the other hand, Blue Boxes are gregarious and lovey dovey. Garbage cans are starting to get jealous.

Things are not looking up for garbage cans. Once more Calgarians start composting, the future of the garbage can will be looking pretty bleak. With most of the waste going into the Blue Boxes, the garbage can is starting to feel lonely and neglected. Garbage cans are even starting to worry about going extinct. Can these tin structures adapt and find an alternative use before going the way of the dodo?

Like a new species introduced to a foreign environment, the Blue Boxes are now thriving. What at first looked like an out of control weed, is now looking like a rose. Will the romance with the Blue Bin last the summer or will the garbage can be back with a vengeance? Stay tuned.