Categories: News

Big Belly Solar Trash Cans in Philadelphia!

Huge confession … I’m getting trashy.  Or at least excited about trash.

(Seriously!)

If you reside in Philadelphia/have visited recently, you’ve noticed the Big Belly Solar Trash cans popping up all over Center City.  The city of brotherly love decided to test trash receptacles last year and has exploded to over 500 units. At least 210 units have a corresponding recycling bin component, which is a first for the city.  (No more excuses about not seeing a recycling bin nearby!)

The Big Belly cans are the only solar-powered cordless compaction system.  Using the sun’s energy, the trash condenses waste automatically to be 1/4 of the size, equaling reducing overflow, cutting collection trips and cutting greenhouse gas by 80%!  These bins can hold 200 gallons of trash (versus the average 55 gallons) and can operate on ONE WEEK the energy it takes to make 1 pot of coffee… Talk about efficient!

The receptacle itself is green, made of galvanized steel and recyclable ABS plastic sides. And for those who question the city’s priorities in the middle of this “recession”, these puppies will be saving the city over $12 million over 10 years.

Fore more information, check out Big Belly Solar’s site shoutout to Philadelphia.

Posted by Julie

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Mural Arts Institute closure, bike rack permits, budget hearings & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  PennDOT to repair potholes in Philly region. The…

3 days ago

Data centers are booming in the Garden State. Are local communities ready?

New Jersey is an attractive place to build a data center. Lawmakers and residents are…

4 days ago

SEPTA real-time arrivals, FDR Park lawsuit, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  SEPTA to debut digital bus stop displays. SEPTA…

1 week ago

New research shows widespread “ghost forests” in New Jersey

Scientists mapped millions of dead trees along the Atlantic coastline that show the impact of…

2 weeks ago

Why are Philly recycling rates so low? A mix of contamination, culture and systems still make it complicated in 2026.

City leaders, educators, and community advocates agreed on one thing at our recent recycling panel:…

2 weeks ago

Climate storytelling, nuclear production, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Chinatown Stitch design moves forward. The Chinatown Stitch…

2 weeks ago