Canberra is the latest Australian city to trial the Bigbelly solar powered bin.
Announced by Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris last week, the 12 month trial of three solar-powered self-compacting rubbish bins will occur at Campbell 5 in Campbell, Kingston Foreshore and Link Park at Wright.
“Each bin is solar powered and is fitted with a compactor, significantly increasing their capacity. They can hold up to 600 litres of waste, which is over four times that of our regular bins. The bins are also fitted with a sensor which records real-time data on the volume of rubbish,” said Minister Fitzharris.
The bins are a totally off-grid solution, powered by a 30 watt polycrystalline solar panel protected by polycarbonate bubble and a sealed maintenance-free 12V battery. A 1/6 HP DC gear-motor drives a compactor exerting a 570KG compaction force.
The bins can also be fitted with a security system to alerts authorities via email or text if a station is breached.
Once the bins are approaching maximum capacity, an SMS and email will be sent to Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS).
TAMS was emptying rubbish bins at Kingston three times a week. Through the use of Bigbelly, these rubbish bin runs are expected to reduce to once or twice a week; saving time, money and transport related emissions.
“It’s an exciting waste initiative that will make it even easier for people to Do The Right Thing,” said the Minister.
The Canberra trial is part of a 12 month initiative gathering data for the ACT Government’s Waste Feasibility Study.
Big Belly bins were first trialled in Australia by Mosman Council in 2010.
Among other Australian cities where trials are occurring is Melbourne; where fifty of the smart bins were rolled out last year.
Earlier this year, six of the solar powered bins were installed at Canada Bay in the Inner West of Sydney.
Bigbelly was founded in 2003 and since that time more than 30,000 Bigbelly and Smartbelly stations have been installed for 1,500 customers in 47 countries across the world. The Australian distributor of Bigbelly bins is SolarBins.
