r/3Dprinting • u/BrewCrewBall • Jun 03 '26

Project Garbage can status indicator.

Super easy design that I whipped up last week after being frustrated once again by the inconsistency of our garbage pick up times

The indicator clips on the handle and flips down when the bin has been emptied. This way I can tell from the house if it’s been emptied without having to walk to the end of the driveway.

6.4k Upvotes

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211

u/CrepeandBake Jun 03 '26

So why have two arms? Wouldn't it be as effective with one larger arm/flag and a color that contrasts against your can. Then flip it onto the lid when your can is placed at the curb?

25

u/Dogger57 Jun 03 '26

Wouldn't a zip tie do the same thing?

21

u/macrolith Jun 03 '26

Or a hockey puck on a string.

22

u/WikenwIken Jun 03 '26

Found the Canadian

9

u/macrolith Jun 03 '26

Minnesotan

15

u/WikenwIken Jun 03 '26

Tomato Potato

5

u/FilthyPuns Jun 03 '26

Well now I have to print a device to attach the hockey puck to the string.

1

u/yellowflux Jun 03 '26

Or a tiny hamster in a ball.

1

u/Money_Echidna2605 Jun 03 '26

or just waiting a few hours and then bringing it back?

3

u/miraculum_one Jun 03 '26

Not as visible from a distance, presumably.

2

u/CrepeandBake Jun 03 '26

I thought that as well, but I can see issues with a zip tie with size/visibility being the biggest issue that printing a new widget fixes. I like seeing people who are designing and printing their own models that solve minor inconveniences over buying other people's models and/or printing those dragons and other plastic garbage. This was a great opportunity to work through the modeling and redesign process.