Overview
- Universal placed the identical solar-powered bins at CityWalk on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with most units sited on bridges connecting CityWalk to Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.
- The cans use rooftop solar panels, an internal battery and a motorized compactor to increase holding capacity and reduce the frequency of custodial emptying.
- Universal’s CityWalk units carry visible CityWalk decals and neon artwork while the underlying hardware matches the models Disney has been installing across EPCOT and other resort sites.
- Guests have shown confusion about the hand-or-foot-pedal openings and some localized overflows have been photographed; Disney has already published an instructional video and Universal may follow with its own guidance.
- Advocates and guests have raised accessibility concerns because the taller flap height and foot-pedal operation can be hard for wheelchair users and people with mobility limits to use, and both resorts are adjusting placement and servicing in response.