28-04-2022
Upper Lachlan Shire Council, with support from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Litter Prevention Grants, will be trialing a smart solution for street bins.
Council will install five ‘BigBelly’ Solar Bins, which use the sun’s rays to power the bins which compact waste volumes up to five times greater than the current street bins.
Solar bins will be trialed in prominent locations around the Shire and will assist with the collection and prevention of street litter by using solar power to compact its contents. This will reduce the collection frequency of the bins as well as reducing windblown litter from overflowing bins during peak times.
The bins will be connected to a software management system which will alert staff to the fullness of the bins as well as being able to identify any maintenance issues.
“During peak times street bins are frequently emptied with the potential to overflow causing windblown litter in certain locations,” Council’s Director of Environment and Planning, Alex Waldron said.
“The new Solar bins will hold much greater volumes and also alert staff if they become full before their scheduled collection. This means staff won’t have to go out and visually check the bins which reduces greenhouse emission levels by cutting the number of trips required and reduces service costs.”