Looking forward to the solar powered trash compactors

Last week, a big announcement from Waste Management, which announced at the U.S. Conference of Mayors that it will start distributing solar powered trash compactors.

Talk about a marriage made in heaven!  Waste Management is considered to be a national leader in garbage removal, and BigBelly Solar has developed the world’s first (and only) solar compaction system!

Actually, come to think of it, Waste Management has been headlining a lot this week when it comes to green.  Last week, on a related blog, we discussed how the company had entered into a joint venture with Bend, Oregon-based InEnTec to “melt” garbage into usable synthetic gas.  Yep, Waste Management is definitely a green garbage company!

What, exactly, is a solar powered trash compactor?  Well, let’s go to the source.  BigBelly explains it, simply, as follows:

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. Safe, easy to use, and designed to keep out pests, the BigBelly has already proven its worth in urban streets, parks, colleges, arenas—and in all weather conditions

Under its deal, Waste Management expects to sell the solar powered trash compactors to municipal governments and organizations responsible for garbage collection at other places like sports venues.  In fact, there are numerous locations already across the U.S. where you can find the BigBelly solar units.

Solar powered trash compactor

Here’s the coolest part, IMHO… the solar powered trash compactors look like any other side-street trash can, but for the fact that they have solar panels on the top.  The panels convert energy from the sun and use it to crush the trash, compacting it right there within the receptacle!

More compact trash allows for less frequent garbage pick-up.  The newest versions even have network-equipped features that will send a signal for pick-up when they are full.

Wow.  Another cool solar powered invention.

I just have one question: When will my hometown of Bend, Oregon get these?  I’m not kidding.  I’m following this post up with a direct email to my City Councilors.  I think its time for us to invest in this innovation and cut down on trash and waste in general.

Maybe you will agree and do the same thing.