Overview
- The rollout accelerated in mid‑August 2026 at EPCOT and has spread to other resort areas with new units spotted near World Celebration, The American Adventure and parts of Animal Kingdom.
- The next‑generation bins run on solar power with battery backup, compress trash inside, hold more waste and send fill alerts to cast members, and they open by a front chute or a foot pedal.
- Longtime visitors have voiced strong complaints online because the new curved tops eliminate the flat surfaces people often used as impromptu tables, a practice that became common during EPCOT festivals.
- Guests and fan sites reported confusion and occasional overflow at early installs, prompting Disney to post an instructional video and to change placement and servicing routines during the phased rollout.
- Disney says the goal is to reduce emptying trips so cast members can focus on guest service, but accessibility advocates and festivalgoers warn the pedal and taller openings could hinder use and may increase pressure for more seating during the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival starting August 27, 2026.