Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images
Public space storytelling doesn’t always come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it starts with a sense of humor — and a smart idea.
This winter, Bigbelly was proud to play a small but meaningful role in one of New York City’s most talked-about public-space moments: Andy Cohen being honored with his very own Bigbelly trash can in Hudson Square.
Yes — a trash can.
In partnership with the Hudson Square Business Improvement District and creative agency Six+One, the neighborhood celebrated one of its most recognizable residents and cultural icons in true Hudson Square fashion: playful, unexpected, and rooted in place. The bin — officially dubbed “Andy Cohen’s Corner” — sits in the neighborhood where Watch What Happens Live is filmed, turning everyday infrastructure into a wink-worthy tribute.
Photo Credit: @nickrizzo815 via Instagram Stories
What followed was a perfect example of how public space, culture, and design intersect.
From Sidewalk to Spotlight
What began as a neighborhood moment quickly became a national one. The story was picked up by major outlets, including Yahoo, amplifying a local activation into a widely shared cultural moment.
Why did it resonate?
Because it was authentic.
- It celebrated place, not promotion
- It felt human, not corporate
- It leaned into humor while honoring community
At Bigbelly, we believe public infrastructure can do more than function — it can contribute to the personality of a place. This moment proved that even a waste bin, when thoughtfully deployed, can spark conversation, pride, and connection.
Bigbelly’s Role: Supporting Placemaking at Street Level
Our role was simple and intentional: provide smart, fully enclosed waste infrastructure that fits seamlessly into the neighborhood — and lets creativity shine.
Bigbelly bins are already part of Hudson Square’s streetscape, quietly keeping the area clean, efficient, and welcoming. For this activation, the bin became more than infrastructure — it became part of the story.
That’s placemaking at its best: when essential systems support community identity without overpowering it.
We’re proud to support partners like Hudson Square BID and Six+One who challenge convention and rethink what public space can be — sometimes with a little humor.
