Because the goal was to dole out contracts (with political contributions to quickly follow), not provide a product or service.-----Garbage odyssey: San Francisco's bizarre, costly quest for the perfect trash can - Mission Local

Garbage odyssey: San Francisco's bizarre, costly quest for the perfect trash can - Mission Local
"...Rather than use off-the-shelf models, San Francisco has engaged in a years-long process to design cans that'll cost thousands of dollars apiece. 

And it's not nearly done.

...The city’s initial request for proposals, in 2018, envisioned a top price tag of less than $1,000 a can. 

But that price has at least doubled, and could now hit as high as $5,000 a can...Read all.