When the odd silver trash can with foot-operated sits on a curb, awaiting scavenging or garbage man pickup, invariably we find the pedal slurred to one side. This critical component is often the first piece to blow on a trash can and results in the receptacle being left on the side of the street like so many teenager hookers before.

Perhaps then, it’s better to choose, as reader Myron did, the “top activated” trash can. One may find it easier to deliver a more nuanced expression of energy with one’s hand than one’s foot

He paid one hundred and fifty dollars but after its lid broke, he found he got his money’s worth, after the jump…

Myron writes:

“I’m very much the grumpy old man when if comes to being a consumer, so I take pleasure in reading The Consumerist to reassure myself that while I might not be normal, at least I’m not alone. I simply want to be treated fairly by businesses. So, when a company does right by me its only fair I can offer a compliment instead of the usual complaint.

Two years ago I bought a $150 trash can made by SimpleHuman. Now thats a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a trash can and I’m still embarassed about it. So when the lid broke recently I tried to salvage the unit by buying a new lid. I contacted SimpleHuman via their website and without any fuss, they promptly mailed me a new lid for free. I was stunned at how quicky my problem was solved and how, for probably $20, they turned a customer who liked the product but was embarrased to recommend it for how expensive it was, into a loyal customer who would sing the company’s praises.

Myron”

The Simple Human trash can, available for $149.99 here with free shipping.

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