An interactive waste receptacle combines a waste receptacle, a display device, a sensor, a camera, a speaker, and a variety of interactive media to receive and process waste, and perform an assortment of interactive functions in a public venue. The interactive waste receptacle detects events from a user, and responds to the events with interactive functions, including; receiving, compacting, and processing a waste; detecting proximal images, sounds, and smells; and displaying advertisements, text, graphics, animation, video, audio, and games. The waste receptacle receives and compacts the waste. A display device integrated with the waste receptacle displays images of advertising, messages, and pertinent information. A sensor detects events from the user. A camera records a user image. A speaker emits and receives audio signals to the user. Interactive media also record user events. The sensor, camera, speaker, and interactive media perform an interactive function in response to the event.