A Solar Powered Compacting Litterbin that can increase the capacity of the bin by up to eight times but retain the same “footprint” as a standard “free standing” litterbin. Reduce the frequency of emptying and thereby save on collection trips, (less collection trips, more savings on both Labour and fuel). A full-length front opening door for ease of emptying. Large spaces for signage (promote Company image, Council logo/Community messages or even Advertising) and with the option of SMS communication to let you know when the litterbin is full. It can only be the BigBelly. The first litterbin powered by the Sun.

How is the BigBelly powered?
The BigBelly is powered by the sun and needs no external power source in its day to day running. As the sun powers it, the best locations give the BigBelly access to sunlight a few hours per day. However, the BigBelly has the ability to store energy via its batteries, this enables the BigBelly to keep compacting whatever the weather.

What about safety in use?
The BigBelly is safe and easy to use. The BigBelly is a fully secured machine, which cannot be operated if either the rear access panel or the waste access door is open. It is not possible to gain access to the compaction area of the BigBelly via the litter aperture.

What maintenance does the BigBelly require?
The BigBelly has a robust chain driven mechanical compaction system. It is of sturdy construction and does not use any hydraulic fluids. Maintenance consists of lubricating the chains every six months and at the same time checking the tension on the chains. The batteries (which store the energy for the compaction cycle) need to be replaced about every three to four years. They are standard batteries, which can be recycled when they come to the end of their life.

Ted Woods, Refuse Coordinator, Arizona State University, Temple, AZ.
“I was sceptical at first, but to my amazement, the machines are working great for the university. They’re very attractive and people really use them. We only have to empty them intermittently, and there’s no maintenance - we don’t have to worry about them at all. I’m a believer now.”

Janet Barkan, Executive Director, Jamaica Centre BID, Queens NYC.
“We love it - we only have to empty the BigBelly units every three days, while we have to empty the regular receptacles once or twice a day. We have about 85 cans in the BID, but the 10 BigBellies are making a difference. The summer is much busier here – more pedestrians and more traffic. The BigBelly lets the cleaning crew spend more time sweeping, which helps. It is particularly helpful during our summer festival in August when we have more than 100,000 people coming down to the Avenue.
The guys really like them. We’ve had no breakdowns or service problems. They’re working great. We were surprised that the bags are not heavy – it’s no problem to pull out and replace the bags; very quick and easy.”

Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston.
“I think they’re great. The solar trash receptacles have to go citywide.”