Not every Walt Disney World update involves a new attraction or restaurant.
Sometimes it's something as ordinary as a trash can.
Disney recently released a video showing guests how to use its new solar-powered compacting trash cans after many visitors found themselves confused by the redesigned containers. While the video clears up questions about disposing of trash, it has also brought renewed attention to another issue many EPCOT fans have been discussing for weeks.
The new trash cans no longer double as tables.
A Simple Upgrade Turned Into a Learning Experience
Disney's latest trash cans are designed to hold much more waste than older models by compacting garbage inside the container.
Guests can open them either by stepping on a foot pedal or by lifting the flap manually, giving visitors two ways to throw away trash.
Walt Disney World shared a new video about the solar-powered trash and recycling bins rolling out across the resort featuring built-in compactors and foot-pedal operation. pic.twitter.com/Pi4Pqlx5cn
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 30, 2026
The system is more advanced than the previous design, but it also requires a little more explanation.
Some guests have admitted they weren't sure where the opening was when they first encountered the bins, while others accidentally tried stuffing trash into handles or other parts of the container.
That's likely why Disney decided an instructional video was necessary.
The Real Conversation Isn't About Trash
The biggest discussion surrounding these new bins has very little to do with garbage.
Instead, it's about food.
EPCOT has become famous for its festivals, where guests spend hours sampling small dishes from outdoor kitchens around World Showcase.
Finding somewhere to eat isn't always easy.
Tables fill quickly, especially during evenings and weekends, leading many visitors to improvise.
For years, the old flat-topped trash cans became convenient places to set down a plate and enjoy a few bites before moving on to the next booth.
It became part of the culture of visiting EPCOT.
The new rounded lids have effectively ended that tradition.
Without a flat surface, guests are left carrying plates while searching for open seating, something many say slows down the experience and makes busy festivals even more challenging.
The Design Has Raised Other Questions
Some Disney fans have also wondered how practical the new bins are for every guest.
Although the foot pedal provides a cleaner, hands-free option, it may not be easy for everyone to operate.
Guests using wheelchairs or those with limited mobility could find the pedal difficult to access, while the taller design may create additional challenges when reaching the opening.
Disney has shown both ways to use the containers, but discussions about accessibility continue as more of the bins appear across the resort.
These Trash Cans Aren't Going Anywhere
Disney has confirmed the new compacting bins will continue replacing older trash cans throughout Walt Disney World.
From an operational standpoint, they offer clear advantages. They hold more waste, reduce servicing needs, and help keep busy areas cleaner during peak attendance.
Still, even practical improvements can have unexpected side effects.
The old trash cans became an unofficial part of the EPCOT festival experience because they solved a problem Disney never intended them to solve.
Now that those flat surfaces are disappearing, guests are adjusting to a new reality.
Disney's instructional video may help visitors learn how to use the new trash cans correctly, but many EPCOT fans are still hoping the next upgrade focuses on giving them somewhere convenient to enjoy their festival food.
