Bright Idea: Colorful, 'Smart' Trash Cans Debut on SM Beach

 got even brighter over Memorial Day weekend with the debut of 500 bright, new receptacles. The "smart" trash cans, which promote environmental stewardship, are a joint effort between the City of Santa Monica and .

"The trash cans are wrapped in eye-catching artwork that reflects the playful nature of a day at the beach, while reminding the community about the need to keep trash in its proper place," the Office of Sustainability and the Environment said.

Each trash can features a Quick Response code that allows smart phone users to link to the newly launched Santa Monica Beachcast. Through the site, users can access tips including information about beach cleanliness and Heal the Bay's beach cleanups.

The joint effort between the City and Heal the Bay "puts an exciting new twist on the vital public works infrastructure we provide every day to ensure that we 'keep it out of the sand,' " OSE Director Dean Kubani said. "We think we have the smartest beach trash can in America today."

The colorful trash can wraps were created by DDB LA, a global advertising firm that also crafted the Beachcast Web site.