“Smart bins,” the newest digital screen network has been deployed in the streets of London and will be available for advertiser in time for the 2012 Olympics. Smart bins are more than just instalments slapped on the sidewalks. These futuristic, multi-functional recycling stations come equipped with a couple of massive LCD screens attached to every side, making them interesting for pedestrians as well as advertisers. The screens currently display impressive stock market infographics, current news from the Economist, and London underground service conditions and weather. There are plans to add features such as being Wifi-equipped as well as for notifying emergencies.
 
Renew, the company behind the project, has installed 25 units around the city of London at a cost of 35,414.25 euros this seems a very expensive deployment especially as much of the cost has been for weatherproofing the systems and protecting them against vandalism. Another 75 bins are set to be deployed as soon as the 2012 Olympics start.
 
I think the general consensus is that this is an interesting concept, but it will be interesting to see if marketing managers at leading brands feel this is an appropriate medium to spend there advertising budget on and whether there is any negative connotation with the advertising being displayed on a rubbish bin.