If you knew that your garbage was being photographed, would you be more likely to throw away less (and recycle and compost more)? That's the premise behind Newcastle University's BinCam project. Students volunteer to have their trash's picture taken with the "BinCam." Each item deposited in the garbage can is photographed and posted on Facebook. So far, the researchers have observed that there are fewer recyclables in students' trash cans.
While it's definitely intrusive, sometimes knowing that someone is observing your trash habits is the impetus needed to actually recycle properly and reduce your garbage load in general. You can read more about the project on Good. For more inspiration on going more eco with your garbage habits, check out this family in California who reduced their waste output to practically nothing!