PORTLAND, Ore. - It doesn't really even look like a trash can and it has a high price tag, but the manufacturers say their solar-powered, trash-compacting public garbage receptacle can save the city money. Eventually.

The Trashco company says their spendy refuse bin, which has a $4,000 price tag, can save the city money since it holds much more garbage than free-standing trash cans. It is also solar powered and compresses trash automatically.

Since it holds more, the company says it doesn't have to be emptied nearly as often, cutting down on costs including the manpower needed to empty it and the fuel associated with servicing it.

Portlanders who talked to KATU News about the trash can - some of whom did not recognize it for what it is - said the price seemed high but were generally open to the idea.

Others thought it was a waste of money.

Regular concrete trash bins now used by the city cost $500 each. Trashco says they have placed the trash can in downtown Portland as a pilot project.

There are five of the techie trash cans at the Oregon Zoo, paid for with a $20,000 donation from Metro.

An Oregon Zoo spokesperson said they expect it will take five years before the cans pay for themselves and start saving the zoo money.

The cans are also currently in use in Boston and Vancouver, B.C.