Abstract: A passive optical network having a plurality of optical splitters/combiners each comprising first and second through ports and at least one drop port. The through ports of the plurality of splitters/combiners are concatenated to form a linear arrangement having two end through ports. Optical signals may be transmitted between the end through ports by means of the linear arrangement; and signals may be transmitted between at least one of the end through ports and one of the drop ports by means of the linear arrangement. The splitter/combiners can be inserted to form drop points in a ring or dual-homed passive optical network to provide flexibility in provision of protection and network reconfiguration.

Abstract: A waste container having a top with a slidable closure. The top has an access aperture and the closure is positioned to slide between opened and closed positions. The closure can be temporarily retained in a first closed position over the aperture, and can be permanently retained in a second closed position over the aperture. Means is also provided for retaining the closure at partially closed orientations across the aperture.