San Francisco Public Works is testing out three custom-designed and three off-the-shelf models trash cans in a pilot program.

San Francisco's long-running quest to find a better trash can will enter a new phase this week, with prototype cans set to hit city streets. 

The city's Department of Public Works has spent 3 ½ years working on designs and $550,000 on a pilot program that seeks to fix the problems with the city’s current bins, which critics say are one culprit behind its notoriously dirty streets. The current green models often overflow and are easily broken into, sometimes causing a bigger mess.

An undated photo shows a current trash can overflowing on a San Francisco sidewalk.

Public Works is sending three custom-designed prototypes made by local companies and three off-the shelf models to locations around San Francisco.

Here are the three custom trash can models, what they look like, and what the makers say are unique about each model:

The “Salt and Pepper” shaker-shaped can has a rectangular opening near the top and small hole for recyclables.

According to the Public Works website: "Steel fins welded to ribs give Salt & Pepper a durable frame as well as providing visibility for security and deterrence to graffiti. A shroud minimizes the size of items capable of being discarded, discouraging oversized, obstructive items."

The narrow, rectangular “Slim Silhouette” has two circles for trash and recycling. The can's slim side profile "allows more space on the sidewalks for people to move about freely while clearly presenting discard options on the front face for trash and recycle exchange," says the Public Works website. Also: "This single-sided access and the chute-shaped trash opening make rummaging more difficult so more trash stays inside... The stainless steel pipe construction ensures longer lasting beauty with easier cleanability and less flat surface for graffiti." 

A wider rectangular “Soft Square” has a handle to pull open a chute. It has openings for the trash and bottles/cans that are behind the front hopper door, "giving the design a clean appearance." The Public Works website also notes that the "hopper" design "makes it extremely difficult for over-filling and rummaging."

Here are the off-the-shelf models chosen to test out by Public Works:

The BearSaver can accommodate a custom-made vinyl graphic design on its four vertical sides. A recycling receptacle can be added to the side of the can. This can is manufactured by Securr.

The Ren Bin is manufactured by Victor Stanley.

Open Wire Mesh: This can is manufactured by Global Industries.

The city will put out 26 cans, and each trash can will be in two different locations during the 60-day pilot.

Here is a map published by Public Works with the locations of the cans:

Each custom prototype costs more than $10,000 — with one $11,000, another $18,800 and the third topping out at $20,900 per can. Last year the city said they would try to only spend $12,000 per prototype after pushback. Once mass-produced, each can would cost between $2,000 and $3,000 each.

San Franciscans will get the chance to give feedback on the designs using a QR code pasted on each trash can. Public Works will review feedback and land on a final design, then select the manufacturer in the fall. There is no timeline of when San Franciscans will see the more than 3,000 new cans on the street.