Big Belly Solar Compactor

Big Belly Solar Compactor

Minimizing trash, garbage pickup and carbon emissions are at the top of many peoples’ lists.  With the Big Belly solar compactor, trash is compacted without any grid connection required and allows for less frequent garbage pickup as a result.

It is ideal for municipalities, park districts and more!

According to its website:

“The BigBelly^® Solar Compactor is a patented compacting trash receptacle that is completely self-powered. Instead of requiring a grid connection, BigBelly uses solar power for 100% of its energy needs. The unit takes up as much space as the “footprint” of an ordinary receptacle—but its capacity is five times greater. Increased capacity reduces collection trips and can cut fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. BigBelly also provides cost efficiencies from labor savings, fuel cost and maintenance savings, as well as environmental benefits from reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.”

When garbage trucks have to pick up less frequently, they don’t drive as often.  That is a huge savings in fuel and costs overall.  By using solar power to compact the trash, the energy that is already shining down on the garbage bins help save carbon emissions even further.  Ordinary household trash compactors use grid-based electricity.  These trash bins, however, are powered entirely with clean solar power.

Across the U.S., the Big Belly solar compactor has already helped reduce costs for cities, parks, and even colleges.  Even when the sun is not shining brightly, UV light continues to power Big Belly.  As an added bonus, bugs and other pests are kept at bay.  When the garbage reaches a pre-determined level, a sensor is triggered to compact the trash.  Lights (red, yellow or green) signal when pickup is necessary.

Here in green Oregon, a businessman in Portland is testing the Big Belly solar compactor by purchasing and then donating two of them to the City of Portland – after seeing them in Boston.  Yes – the compactors even work in the rain!

What will they think of next?  Love these solar powered inventions for the greater, greener good!

Tags: big belly, clean solar power, compact trash, compacting trash receptacle, garbage pickup, solar compactor, solar power, solar trash compactor, trash bins