British Columbia

Uplifting garbage: These inspirational recycling bins could brighten your day

A Prince Rupert waste company is putting inspirational sayings on its outdoor bins in an effort to give the city a more cheerful disposition.

Prince Rupert waste disposal company putting inspirational phrases on its outdoor bins

So far eight disposal bins have been decorated with inspirational sayings. Rupert Disposal plans to distribute at least forty throughout the city. (George Baker/CBC)

Never give up. Be Happy. 

These are just some of the unexpected messages that greet people taking out the trash in Prince Rupert.

A local waste disposal company is festooning some of its outdoor bins with messages designed to brighten people's day — and the city as a whole.

"It makes people smile and the customers like it," said Rupert Disposal truck driver James Bourgeois, Sr.

James Bourgeois, Sr. poses with one of the inspirational recycling bins his company has placed around Prince Rupert. (George Baker/CBC)

For now the inspirational bins are limited to the Cow Bay neighbourhood, but the company is planning to expand the program to the rest of Prince Rupert's downtown in an effort to make the area cleaner and more attractive.

"There's a lot of boarded up windows, empty store spaces," said Bourgeois, Sr. 

Some of the art work will have a theme, such as a sunset near the Sunset Villa seniors' home and the message: "Stay alive, don't drink and drive," outside a liquor store.

But the ultimate goal is to add a bit of joy to the task of taking out the trash.

"You're walking down the street and you just look at a garbage can and you walk by it," said Bourgeois, Sr. 

"Now people are looking at the different cans that we're putting out there just to see what we're gonna put on them next."

With files from George Baker.


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